No clue why you would top a 5 year old thread to ask about a different question.

>>>but was wondering about the best way to get money from the bank while there.<<<

The best way to get money is your ATM card. Notify your bank in advance of the days/countries. Don't you already have any ATM card? Why should you care if it's Visa branded?

Goofy girl that I am, I once asked the hotel receptionist to store my extra credit card and passport in the hotel safe, whereupon, I forgot them until I was 100 miles away.

Fortunately I was going to a Goethe Institute, so with much trepidation, I called and had the hotel send the stuff on by mail.

My sister carried her ATM card and passport in her purse, but once--only once in our 8 years of traveling in Europe--she asked me to put them in my money belt. So when the clever thief disguised as a waiter in La Boqueria stole her purse, she lost only her camera.

I carry a large tapestry-looking purse in which I keep my camera and a little money, so that the one time I lost or was relieve of my wallet, I lost only my driver's license and a few bucks. That was somewhere in Eastern/Middle Europe.

I carry my ATM card, credit card, and passport in my money belt. I am paranoid about somehow forgetting my passport in the room, since I typically lose something on each trip--usually a book, but almost always. On my 2011 trip, I lost TWO books and my digital recorder.

I carry my money and passport and everything in a small purse that I wear over the shoulder and in front of me. It has about six zippers on it, and each thing is in a separate pocket so a pickpocket cannot get everything at once. I do not put the purse down anywhere, even in restaurants, where I keep it in my lap.

And I also have a tote with multiple pockets outside and a zippered top opening.

Here in Canada we never carry cash. Every retail outlet, restaurant, etc accepts debit cards. I am told by friends who travel to Southern Italy frequently that debit cards are not accepted in lieu of cash. I have only a prepaid credit card.The Visa access card has the first 4 digits the same as a credit card so it may or may not be accepted in situations where you have no cash., but you are simply just taking money from your own bank account to pay the bill and not using credit. I was simply picking the brains of the more experienced travellers since this thread warned of pickpockets and ways to secure your money. If the Access card is accepted then there is no need to ever carry cash in larger centres, no need to head to the bank every time you want to make a purchase. The bank did not know.

Smaller businesses in Italy are still cash only so you need access to some cash.

Cards in Canada might not be the same or have the same fees as cards in the US (including prepaid cards). Each country has their own banking laws that cover what fees can be charged. Prepaid Visa cards are a very bad deal for the US as there are fees to load, fees to withdraw and they give you a terrible exchange rate.

You will often find the bank employee(s) don't know the charges for someone traveling abroad. I asked one of my banks about ATM card charges and got three different answers. I decided to use the card last time I was in Italy to see for myself and none of their answers were accurate.

The best way for people from the US to get money is with an ATM card from a bank or credit union that doesn't tack on extra fees. This wiki explains a bit better and you can scroll down to the chart for Canada although I doubt it's up to date.
http://www.flyerguide.com/wiki/index...reign_Exchange

I don't understand why people feel they need to walk around carrying their passport and all their cash/ CC's in their purse, no matter how secure it is. I usually only carry one CC, some Euros and a copy of my passport and or my driver's license as ID. The rest is in the safe deposit box in my hotel.

If you are traveling to Italy and will be in train stations there is only one answer! Keep your money and passports (and cc) in a passport carrier around your neck and under your clothing. And yes, this works in all countries! Thieves, gypsies are clever, quiet and extremely skilled. And most only want cash.

Cruiseluv, some of don't stay in hotels, but in bed and breakfasts that obviously don't have safes in the rooms. We must devise other methods of safeguarding our valuables.

I've never used a moneybelt and never will. Just carry a bag as I do anywhere. Been to Rome several times and never had or witnessed a problem.
Actually I used a moneybelt once (in Turkey), took it off briefly, as it was uncomfortable and managed to leave it behind, where my money was stolen, but passport left.

The only place on my travels that I've been refused access because I didn't have ID with me was at the USS Constitution in Boston. I usually carry a copy of my passport but the previous night while tidying up my little cross body bag I'd accidentally taken out photocopy and forgot to put it back.

On the No 64 bus in Rome (the pickpocket express) I was nearly pick pocketed by a couple of young girls who boarded at one stop and methodically worked their way through the packed bus and then got off a couple of stops later. Fortunately I had my hand firmly over the zip but after they passed I realized they had attempted to open the zipper but been unsuccessful.

You do need to keep your wits about you and I make sure that I have my cash etc spread out a little so that if I am robbed the thief won't get everything.