Does anyone know if there is any problem with getting cash advances on Visa cards at ATM's in Italy we don't want to carry travellers cheques or much cash. Note: credit cards only not savings or cheque accounts.

Yes, generally you can with no problem - - but surely your mother has told you - - this is one of the most expensive ways to "access" cash. Much better to just withdraw it from your existing checking or savings account in an ATM transaction the same as you would do at home. Except that it comes out as euros.<BR><BR>Best wishes,<BR><BR>Rex<BR>

Please, use an ATM card with direct withdrawal from your checking account, the very best exchange rate. However, if your bank charges a fee (mine $2.00) draw as much cash at one time as you'll need for several days. Using a credit card for cash is costly. Do use your credit card whenever in restaurants or shops. I always wind up taking my traveler's checks home (I have taken them in case of emergency).

We had absolutely no problems using our credit card (Mastercard) in Italy's (and other European countries) ATMs. This was our only form of obtaining cash. Simply had the account in credit before we left home, checked out the balance when we could via internet banking and tranferred money across when needed.

PS We had 4 digit PIN numbers. Bank charges varied from $0.00 to $3.00 (AUD).<BR><BR>Check out previous messages re ATMs (about 1 page back)

topping<BR>