mrubio0806

Should we arrive in Milano with euros or dollars? My husband wants to take dollars and convert when we get there. But after having read many threads in fodors, I was planning to convert about $100-$200 US here before we go and use our debit card at ATM once in Italy on an as needed basis. Your input would be highly regarded. Leaving soon!

annhig

you could take a few € with you if you like [just in case the ATMs aren't working when you arrive] but there is no need to take loads of $. you may have problems finding places to change them and get a bad rate.

just get the money out of the hole in the wall like everyone else!

nytraveler

Carrying large amounts of cash around is just asking for trouble. Buying euros in the US is very expensive - but chaning dollars into euros in the US is almost as bad.

For by far the best rate of exchange you should charge as much as you can on your credit cards and pull walking around money from an ATM - with a card linked to your checking account. This should get you money at a cost of 2 or 3% - versus the 8 to 10% it will cost to change cash.

bardo1

You don't need to convert ANY dollars - either before leaving the US or when arriving in Milan.

Just use ATM's as needed to get Euros.

Here are some ATMs at the Milan airport to get you started:
http://www.ifly.com/milan-malpensa-a...banks-currency

BigRuss

DITTO to bardo. Haven't changed before going in ages -- too many ATMs available to worry.

Pegontheroad

No.

Michel_Paris

I sometimes have 50-100 euro when I land. If there is some issue with ATM at airport, I can at least get to my hotel. I've also landed with 0 local currency.

Costs way too much to convert USD, and with ATMs all around why bother?

I have multiple ATM cards, so in case one doesn't work, use another. By 'doesn't work", this may mean that the specific Italian bank is not on the same network as my ATM card (Cirrus, for example), see back of your card.

You will still end up paying a small fee to take money out of ATHM, which is a charge from your bank, not the local bank.

Note that the machine will use your primary account (no selection of 'savings' or 'checking'). Also, there limit on withdrawals will be that bank's limit, not your bank's. If you withdraw to their max and need more, can do two withdrawls in a row, up to your daily max.

Italy, you may find that a lot of places prefer cash. I tend to use CC for major purchases, hotels,etc..

zoecat

There are ATM machines in the Milan airport and thoughout Italy. A few days prior to your departure, be sure to notify your bank and cc companies that you will be out of the country.

Enjoy your trip!

maitaitom

I always bring 100 dollars worth of euros from home. The minimal extra cost of buying that amount at home is worth it to me not to have to hassle anything at the airport except getting my luggage, going through customs and grabbing a taxi to our hotel.

ladylawyer42

Last time I flew into Milano, every ATM I could find was out of money (it was Sunday). Can't hurt to take enough euros with you to get to your hotel, just in case. We usually try to save 50 or so when we go home, so we have some on the next trip.

socaltraveler

We do what Tom does, it's great peace of mind to have no immediate hassles with ATM's after a long flight.

kerouac

50-100€ is plenty to have on hand for arrival. Get the rest from an ATM or pay for most things by card.

YvonneT

And, don't forget to tell your bank/credit card mob that you'll be using your card(s) overseas.