Can anyone ofer any suggestions for the best way to exchange US dollars for Italian lire? Should we do this before we leave as we know we will need lire upon arrival? Whether it is in the US or in Italy, where do we go to get the best exchange rate?

Bob,<BR>There are a bazillion questions such as yours here on the forum and the consensus of responses is this. Go to your local bank and secure a modest amount of lira ($50.00 or so to cover initial expenses upon arrival, taxis, porters, coffee, etc). Use a credit card for major expenses, accommodations dining and shopping. Use an ATM card, with a four digit PIN for cash withdrawals. Notify the ATM issuer of your intent to travel to Europe so transactions are not stopped due to the bank's suspicion of fraudulent use. Carry more than one ATM card in the event one is lost or fails to work. Ensure your bank checking account has adequate funds to cover ATM withdrawals. European ATMs don't allow the option of withdrawals from savings or checking accounts; withdrawals are from checking accounts. When making ATM withdrawals, withdraw enough money for a two day budget to reduce the number of service charges you incur. Your credit card purchases and ATM withdrawals will be calculated at the most favorable commercial exchange rate. Be sure to review any credit card receipts to ensure that you are billed in lira and not Euros.

Consensus from my reading on this forum seems to be, yes arrive w/ a bit of local currency just for the convenience. You can go to any ThomasCook office but I found my bank's rate was better. Consensus seems to also be the best exchange and access to cash is using ATMs which are everywhere and you can even select English when using. But, a) be sure to tell your bank that you are going so they won't shut down access when they see alot of transactions, thinking maybe your card is stolen; b) be sure your ATM card works with the Cirrus system, c) be sure you have a 4 digit PIN, if not change it; d) have at least two ATM cards w/two different banks in case you loose a card or it becomes de-magnatized, and finally, e) a few travelers checks as a back up option.

i may present a different point of view. do not change any money in this country. when you arrive at the airport you can change 50-100 into lira. when you are in the city walking around look at the local banks as the exchange rates differ from bank to bank. remember you will need your passaporto to do the transaction. im still old fashioned so i convery a fairly large amount at one time as it does take time. they can be a royal pain in the ass about travelers checks in the max they will convert at one time. i carry only what i need for the day and the rest is in the hotel safe. never had a problem doing this for 20 years-not 1 lira. i like to come home with no bills to pay-love to apy as you go. this might not suit you but it works for us very well

One more note about exchanging $$. I just found out that some credit card companies will charge in extra % (maybe 3%?) on your charge to covert to american dollars. Plus there are service charges to use the ATM - find out from your bank what the cost is? Good luck