We will be in Italy in September can you tell me do all restaurants, stores take American Express. I am looking at the new card that lets you put the amount of cash on it that you would be carrying - also how were the fees - anyone? Thank you!

If you are interested in pre-paid AE card you may also want to look at Visa/MC pre-paid card. I believe that Visa/MC cards are accepted at more places in Europe. AE is accepted at major hotels/bigger restaurants and department stores, but the smaller businesses in Europe usually do not accept AE cards.

AAA and some banks offer these cards.

<b>www.aaa.com</b>

Hi fly,

If you are looking at a &quot;travel card&quot;, I recommend against it.

All you are doing is paying a fee to have access to your own money.

AMEX is not as widely accepted, especially at small shops, as VISA and MC.

I suggest that you bring a charge card and use it wherever possible. Bring an ATM card, NOT a debit card, to get cash when needed.

flycatcher-

Assuming you mean the AE Travel Funds card, read the following threads:
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34517104
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34493413
and
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34508917

The Travel Funds Card is being pushed heavily by American Express. Notice all the TV ads on the cable channels?
I don't see ads anymore for traveler's checks and I'm curious how much their sales have declined.
I'll just stick with my tried and true ATM card, and credit cards from both VISA and Mastercard (with no extra fees hidden).