I plan to buy point-to-point tickets in Italy. Seems I read somewhere a while back that Italian Rail was not taking credit cards...? Anyone have recent experience to share? Thanks in advance.

I recently asked the same question in preparation for our upcoming May trip, and was reassured that the major stations DO take "foreign" credit cards. <BR>

Pam, Yes, they take credit cards at the ticket counter. No problem. I found them very helpful.

The easiest way to purchase train tkts. is to go to American Express where they will reserve a seat for you. You can also use Italian travel agencies that display th FS sign. That is much faster than buying tickets at the station. Be sure to stamp your ticket by the track before you get on.

We are also going to Italy and are planning to purchase point-to-point rail tickets, purchasing tickets at the AMEX office sounds great-do they add any type of service charge? Any heop greatly appreciated. <BR>

Well, I tried to use my Credit Union VISA at Italian Rail, and it was turned down! A railway employee explained with elaborate pantomime that they only take VISA cards issued by certain foreign banks. He showed me a book of photos of cards they take, and there weren't all that many. <BR> I asked the credit union about it, and they said other members had the same problem. <BR> So pick a card issued by a MAJOR BANK, hope for the best, but bring enough traveler's checks in case it doesn't work out.

I too would recommend exercising caution - you should have an alternative method of payment available. If you wish to catch a train quickly using CCs could be a problem. I had to wait for more than 40 minutes for my CC to be accepted in a shop in Florence. Other times no problem. But beware if you are in a hurry.