kwren

It never occurred to me to call the credit card company ahead of time for this upcoming trip...and it should have since we couldn't use it once while on a vacation when the CC company thought it might have been stolen. (Had that lucky ATM card and US cash though to keep us going!) I have just called them to advise them of out 3 week trip, so thanks for the advice/reminder! (I also found out that the foreign transaction fee with our card is 3% so that's the next thing to think about)

Huitres

I would take about 100-150 euros with you to start off your trip (busses, shuttles, taxis, etc). Then once in Italy, the next day or so, you can then access cash via a bank ATM.

I exchange my USD $ at a local currency exchange place here in West LA; however, many AMEX and travel agencies have services that can assist you with currency exchange.

ragingregan

Its always good to bring a few hundred euro(2-3) to have handy for taxis, porters, snacks in airport etc. especially if you will be with a group or tour as you may not have time to stop before you get to your hotel.

mikemo

Least expensive, easiest, and most convenient - no fee ATMs and no/low fee CC's.
M (SMdA, Gto.)

elnap29

Just returned from a multi-country trip in Europe. ADVICE: After getting your Euros from ATM or Bank or whatever, immediately exchange for some COINS! We were not prepared and soon discovered we needed 1 and 2 euro coins as many vendors did not want to give change. Also we ended up overtipping cab driver and others since we had large denominations. Learned in a hurry!

LoveItaly

I too like to take about 100 to 150 euro as Huitres said. I also like to take about $200.00 US so I have US dollars when I return to the US.

I always take 2 ATM cards from 2 separate checking accounts.

And 3 credit cards.

Yes, do call your credit card companies and the banks that your ATM cards are connected to so you can advise them where you will be.

Make sure your ATM cards are connected to checking accounts and have 4 PIN's.

Aranda, have a beautiful 30th Wedding anniversary in Italy. What a lovely country to celebrate all of your years together.

sera

My last two trips to Italy, the ATMs were all down at the Rome airport. So for me, it's best to have either some euros or US $$ to exchange, since I need cash for the limo service.

prr761

Another good way to get cash, if you are in a major city and have an American Express account. Take along a couple of personal checks. At an AMEX office, they let you write a check using your AMEX card as ID for up to $2500 in a month period. They impose only the conversion rate (same rate as bank rate). No fees. I got stuck in Rome at an ATM machine with the message that my transaction was not authorized on my B of A account, and I was totally out ouf money. AMEX office near the Spanish steps to my rescue! B of A had put a hold on my account, even though I had notified them before leaving home and gave them the cities I'd be in. Had to call them- $22.50 charge-to get the hold released (B of A refunded the charge).

There are so many ways to get cash these days. Have a wonderful trip!

aranda

Thank you for making me aware of the best options for exchanging US dollars into Euros, and the rationale for doing so.

Is there any advantage in using a credit card vs cash for purchasing Euros in the US? Or, is there a better way that will not incur excessive fees? Just wondering. I will most likely use American Express.

Happy trails!
Aranda

LoveItaly

aranda, do NOT use your credit card to get cash..you will start paying interest on that cash immediately!

Also I did not type my post correctly to you..have your ATM cards have four numbers for for PIN number.

aranda

Thank you LoveItaly. You saved the day!!
Aranda

LoveItaly

Hi aranda, you are welcome.

Let me clarify however. IF you had some horrible emergency and needed more cash than you had in your checking account and you could not use your credit card to charge the expenses than of course using your credit card to obtain cash should be done. But ONLY for an emergency (don't worry you will not have an emergency) but NOT for day to day spending. If you paid your credit card statement in full when you got home you would only be paying interst for that statement period.

Do have a beautiful trip!

TravelTess

We always bring Euros with us. In addition, we use the ATMs in Europe for cash and credit cards for charging purchases (but NEVER for cash). I always recommend getting Euros in advance, just in case. As a matter of fact, our oldest is headed to Europe next month and I'm pulling the left overs out of our safe for her to use. They always come in handy and will give you peace of mind.

mikeltxo

Hi!

Nice place to stay! I was there some years ago and it is espectacular. I recommend you to visit Pompeii, Naples or Capri.
You can find some information through the next webpage
http://www.europefortourism.com/en/italy.htm
have a nice trip!!

PattiSca

One warning. Be sure to call your bank (connected to your ATM) and your credit cards letting them know you will be on travel. If you don't, it's possible they will suspect fraud, especially if you are not one who travels. It happened to me, and there's nothing like trying to charge a meal, having it denied, no cash, and not being able to get access to it.

Colette

Aranda------#1: none of us thought you were a "travel hick" #2: you're right....the travelers on this forum are AWESOME. And the reason you get so much help is 'cus we all love to travel and want other travelers to love travel! #3: a tip that I received from someone on this forum before MY first trip abroad: if your CC PIN number is not a NUMBER, but a 4-letter WORD, (which mine was), change it, 'cus some of the ATM machines may not have letters on the number buttons. To tell you the truth, I never noticed if the buttons on the ATMs in Europe were "letter-less".....but after reading that bit of advice on this forum, I immediately contacted my CC company, told them when and where I'd be traveling in Europe, and changed my PIN "word" to a PIN "number". Didn't have a problem with any of the ATMs. Also, I was glad to have about $100 worth of euros that I obtained from a bank here in the US before I left. (another tip from a fodorite). Have a GREAT time! I lovedlovedloved Italy. and France......and Switzerland.....

amp322

Forgive me if this topic was covered somewhere in the thread, but I cannot read every single post right now... lol!

I pretty much rely on suckimg money out of ATMs, when in Europe. Since it's better to use the machines as few times as possible (to avoid fees, and such), I've run into the problem of making large withdrawals, and getting stuck with large bills.

For instance, in Prague, 2,000 Krown bills will come out of the machines. This is the equivalent of $96 US! If I want to take a taxi & wave nearly $100 at the driver, he will look at me and laugh! (and no doubt try to grab the whole thing!) So, where do all of you go to get smaller bills, when this happens? Bank, hotel, change counter, etc. Or just try to break the bills at restaurants, etc? I've had to go into a bank, on occasion, but my Czech is limited, so it can be a hassle. Also, since I usually stay in an apartment, I don't have a hotel clerk to help me out.

Thanks in advance for any tips..

aranda

Grazie mille everyone with sharing your expertise on my Euro question! This information will make all the difference between an awesome trip and an expensive nightmare.

I do have a few other general questions on Positano in late October (I'll also post on a new heading so the questions don't get lost under the Euro heading):

1. Weather in late October, what to expect? How do I pack?

2. Are the ferries running? What islands do you recommend? I am thinking of Ischia, is that too far for a day trip? Recommendations of activities on what ever island you recommend would also be appreciated.

3. Ravello, suggestions for activities, also how to get there from Positano? Is it possible to hike there?

4. How hot will Pompei be in late October? Best way to get there from Positano.

5. What carry on luggage do you suggest?

Once again, I appreciate all your information. Maybe someday I'll be helping other people with their travel questions!

Happy trails!
Aranda

BTilke

I prefer to always carry about $100 worth of local currency when I travel. It's just a comfort thing. Also, when I arrived in Vienna on one occasion, the ATM was only able to give 100 euro notes; they had been cleaned out of everything smaller.

As we live in Europe, we now serve as the 24/7 Bank of Tilke to visiting friends and relatives. We meet them at the airport or train station so they only bring about $10 worth in local coins. And we offer an incredibly competitive exchange rate (£1 or euro for $1) with no fees. Free coin samples for the kiddies. And our customer service can't be beat.

JanDelaware

I travel to Europe a few times a year--and use only my ATM card for cash. I have ALWAYS found ATM machines in airports and train stations--ask if you don't see one. Sometimes they're even in the baggage claim area, so that you can get Euros while you're waiting for your luggage.

Pay attention to the networks on your ATM card, i.e. Cirrus, Star, Plus--then watch for those logos on the foreign ATM machines to find one compatible with your card. I usually get enough cash for a few days, and resupply frequently through my trip--just in case I am "relieved" of my wallet, I won't be out gobs of money.

Also: I am a firm believer in carrying an American Express card overseas. You can get a replacement card within hours--and you can't do that with a Visa or Mastercard issued from a local bank in the USA. American Express also can give you a pin number for access to cash machines overseas. Happy travels!