cybertraveler

I will be traveling to Italy with my DH and two teenage sons in a couple of weeks. This will be my fifth trip to Italy, and in the past, I've gotten cash at the airport after arrival. However, I noticed that Fodors suggested bringing a lot of cash to Europe, since ATMs might not be working due to all the turmoil in the economy.

Have any of you used the ATMs recently, and would you recommend getting Euros in advance at home? I know that I won't get the same exchange, due to fees, but it might be worth it for the peace of mind. Thanks in advance for any advice you can offer.

Jean

"However, I noticed that Fodors suggested bringing a lot of cash to Europe, since ATMs might not be working due to all the turmoil in the economy."

Really? I haven't seen this mentioned. Can you provide a link to a recent thread?

Pepper_von_snoot

used atm's in venice from may 27-june 11 and never had a problem.

my favourite atm is at deutsche bank next to jp tod's in san marco. very easy to use. the germans, along with the swiss, understand efficiency.

green means go. just remember that when pushing the buttons which are all in italian.

thin

cybertraveler

Hi Jean,

Here's the link:

http://www.fodors.com/news/story_5677.html

I received this information through the Fodor's Newsletter email.

HappyTrvlr

No problems getting Euros at ATMs in Italy.

cybertraveler

Hi thin,

Thanks for the specifics. It's a relief to hear that it worked well for you since I really don't want to bring a lot of cash. I'll look for deutsche bank and remember about green!

Pepper_von_snoot

economic turmoil/

you must be drinking gin by the gallon, sweetie darling.

venice is rife with cash.

i saw tons of people spending tens of thousands of dollars on shoes at prada and cavalli.

you couldn't get into the door of louis vuitton. it was mobbed. mobbed, i tell you. it looked a scene out of dr. zhivago.

people were walking out of venini with 8 thousand dollar lamps.

good luck finding a table at any of the restaurants in venice. even those that charge 12 euros for an aperol spritz.

there is no recession in venice, miss thing.

thin--sorry about typing but i am posting from my droid razr maxx

immimi

...I hate to say it, but Michelle Doucette is giving some
pretty severe advice re taking wads of cash on your person.


She did specify Greece but even there ATMs are spewing out
euros.

We had no problem getting all the cash we wanted from
Banocmats all over north and central Italy last month and
getting cash from an ATM is preferable for so many reasons.

cybertraveler

Thanks for all of your replies. I'm just going to wait and get cash at the airport in Venice and trust that the world economy won't crash while we're there!

ellenem

The only ATM I found at Venice Airport when I passed through in March was on the second floor--departures level.

joannyc

There is an Banca di Roma ATM on the ground floor (Arrivals area) in Venice airpot. I used it upon my arrival.


http://tinyurl.com/7vva8td

joannyc

Well, my typing was bad.... There is a Banca di Roma ATM on the ground floor (Arrivals area) in Venice airport.

cybertraveler

Thank you ellenm and joannyc-the ATM I've used in the past has been on the ground floor right before the bus area. However, this time I will be on the lookout for signs when we arrive. joann-thanks for the link. When were you there?

It is a relief to know that there won't be a problem getting cash once we find the ATMs. Thanks to everyone who replied!

StCirq

Are you kidding? Who is this person who's suggesting you take wads of cash?? Absolute nonsense! Just take your ATM card - you'll be fine.

cybertraveler

Thanks StCirq--that was my thought as well!

greg

If you are transiting through a Euro zone airport before arriving Venice, it can be a good idea to get Euro there under some circumstances. When I transit through FRA to Venice and only thing to do is to wait for my Venice flight, I usually pick up Euro in FRA using BofA Debit card at a DeutschBank ATM and avoid all fees because of the BofA's global ATM alliance with the DeutschBank located in Germany. This no fee maneuver at FRA saves me pittance few minutes at Venice airport by not having to hit an ATM as well as 1% fee charged by my credit union for one transaction. Of course, if I see a queue at ATMs at Venice, I feel good by having already completed this step at FRA.

bilboburgler

Much as I enjoy this Fodors Forum I generally find Fodors' books on Europe pretty far off (Rough Guide is far better) and this article says it all, wrong. I suggest stop taking the newsletter.

joannyc

Cybertraveler - I was in Italy in Sept - Oct 2009.

cersei

Just remember to call your bank before you leave to inform them of your travel plans. Otherwise, they may put a hold on your card. Overseas transactions may show up as fraud in their system.

Speaking from experience....

Rubicund

As far as the cash advice was concerned, Ms Doucette was writing the most awful drivel. Even if Greece had decided to go back to the Drachma it couldn't have taken place overnight and planning for such an event would take many months.

There is no problem in using an ATM in Europe.