I am planning to use my ATM card to get Euros upon our arrival at FCO Airport in Rome. We are flying Alitalia. Can anyone tell me if there are enough cash machines at the terminal and where they are located? I have heard of some people finding machines out of order or out of cash. Don't want to be left high and dry at the beginning of our trip.

I used a machine just after the customs area. There was also a machine on floor above the departure area.

There are many factors affecting whether you can get money from the ATM: your bank blocked your transaction, your bank was temporarily offline, the ATM machine could not read your card, the ATM machine was out of cash, your ATM card was not linked to a checking account, etc, etc.

While many report never having problems, and thus recommend replying exclusively on getting the first euro out of the machine, I had my share of difficulties so I always travel with Euro -- either use left over from the previous trip, or obtain €100 worth before the trip, which costs about $6 in extra charge over using an ATM.

Hi

I think that we got cash at the airport but I can't rememeber where the ATM was located. But I think that it was aslo possible to use a card when buying tickets for the Leonard Express Here is my trip report from Rome by the way: http://gardkarlsen.com/rome_italy.htm

Regards
Gard
http://gardkarlsen.com - trip reports and pictures

Gard is correct in that tickets for the Leonardo Express train from FCO to termini can be purchased with credit cards. This can be done both at the ticket machines and from a real person at a ticket counter.
I never use taxis, but I understand that many, but not all, taxis accept credit cards.
No need to fret if you arrive with no euros. You will still be able to get to your hotel where there are loads of ATMs.

I always keep some Euros to bring home for my next trip, it's just more comfortable for me to have some local currency in my pocket when we land, in case of any down time at the ATM.

If you don't have any Euros, you can buy what is called a tip pack from a AAA office, they're everywhere and this is usually easier and cheaper than a small local bank. It's $100 in the currency of your choice, Euros, Pounds or whatever. The good thing about this Tip Pack is that you get currency in small denominations, unlike some bank orders which will give you only large bills.

This is not the most econimical way of getting local currency, but it gives you enough in your pocket for a taxi & food in an emergency, so it's a good start and most people feel reassured to have some local money in their pocket.

Regarding getting a money pack at AAA. Do not use a credit card for that or it will count as a cash advance and you will pay even more fees than you are already paying for the foreign cash. Buy it with cash.

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