Credit cards and I phone in Italy
 

I am winding down my planning, even though the trip is not until May. But I still have a couple of hovering questions. WHen I travel to France I get money at an ATM, but that has become more and more difficult with. It is reasonable to expect to be able to use ATM cards to get money there?
Secondly I also usually get a plan on my I phone for use while I am in France and use it for GPS and limited Data. It has worked great in France, can I expect the same functionality in Italy? I am assuming so, but I have had that ASSumeing experience in the past.....
Thanks Rosie

How has using ATMs in France become harder to do? Certainly I've had no problems in Italy

I think you need to ask your "plans" provider about Italy.

ATMs are very easy to use in Italy. Just make sure your bank knows you are traveling. Also Capital One Visa does not charge fees and the exchange rate is decent.

I don't use a smart phone over here so I have no experience personally, but we are in a hill town and we know a lot of people who use smart phones with no problem. THAT being said they live in Italy and might have a different provider.

Getting cash from ATMs in France hasn't become any more difficult for me; not sure what you're referring to. I've never had any problems in Italy either.

I don't use a cell phone plan of any kind anywhere - I refuse to get sucked into those silly contracts. I use a cheap unlocked quad-band GMS dual-SIM cell phone and when I'm in France I slip a French SIM in and when I'm in Italy I slip an Italian SIM in.

No problem with the ATM's in Italy - just notify your bank.

I have an iPhone 4S and just call Verizon and sign up for the international plan before I go (and terminate it when I get back) and have no problem using my phone in Italy.

Thanks folks, IN France I have not been able to use my ATM cards at all banks, something about a chip. BUt good to know that my cards should work in Italy.
I love using my I phone, so will probably stick with that. I feel better hearing your reassurances!
Thanks again, Rosie

There is absolutelyt no reason your ATM should not have worked in France and it will work in Italy. While there has been some talk of converting European ATM's to chip and pin use, it to the best of my knowledge has not taken place yet nor is it imminent. I use my magnetic swtrip debit card in ATM's in France all the time!

There's NO problem at all with "chips" in France at ATM machines - have no idea what you're talking about. People sometimes have trouble using debit cards that don't have a chip and pin at unmanned gas stations, but otherwise it's a non-issue.