Take CASH to Venice
May 26th, 2004, 06:51 AM
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Take CASH to Venice
FYI: I normally don't carry cash, so took only $150 which I converted to Euros ( you only get $.75 for each $1.00 - and planned to use credit cards on my trip to Italy. Big mistake! almost no place takes credit cards - restaurants, museums, souvenirs, even many hotels do not accept them. Getting cash from credit cards and ATMs is very expensive. I spent an average of $125 per day for 3, and our hotel was pre-paid. Florence was a little better. Rome was no problem using credit card.
May 26th, 2004, 07:04 AM
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I had the complete opposite experience when I traveled to Venice and Almalfi coast last year. Traveled with $600 in travelers checks, debit card and credit card. Returned with $550 in travelers checks. I had no problem using credit/debit card anywhere. I found the exchange rate using the ATM "Bankomats" more cost effective than cashing a check at the hotel or bank.
May 26th, 2004, 07:06 AM
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I found ATMs as readily available in Venice as anywhere else in the developed world. I have paid no fee for any ATM transaction in Europe, and the conversion rate is always within about 1% of the official exchange rate. Can you describe your problems with Venice ATMs for us? Thanks.
May 26th, 2004, 07:09 AM
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I have had no problem whatsoever in Venice or anywhere else in Europe for the past 7 years. I normally take about $100 in Euros (obtained from my bank before I go)and use an ATM card and a credit card without any problem. ATMs are virtually everywhere and the exchange is best using the ATM - my bank charged almost no fees. Much more convenient and cheaper than travelers checks or converting cash.
May 26th, 2004, 07:12 AM
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We also found ATM's in abundance in Venice, and withdrew the amount we would need each day for a mere 75 cent charge from our US bank. The Italian banks didn't charge us a thing, and the max withdrawal amount was typically 800 euro. I was happy to pay 75 cents each day for the peace of mind in not having to carry a lot of cash around.
I can't comment on the credit card issue since I didn't attempt to use mine there.
I can't comment on the credit card issue since I didn't attempt to use mine there.
May 26th, 2004, 07:13 AM
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If you want to find restaurants, shops etc, which take credit cards, and you're looking at midmarket places, look for the credit card symbols on stickers on the door or window.
Expensive places may not bother to display such stickers, but it would be unusual to find an expensive restaurant or relatively smart hotel which doesn't take credit cards.
Expensive places may not bother to display such stickers, but it would be unusual to find an expensive restaurant or relatively smart hotel which doesn't take credit cards.
May 26th, 2004, 07:20 AM
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Also just back from Venice. Had no problem exchanging Travelers Checks for Euros. Yes the exchange rate is bad but that is not only in Venice. Also used credit cards at hotel and shops with no problem. I informed my hotel ahead of time that I wanted to use credid card.
May 26th, 2004, 09:51 AM
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We must have gone to totally different places. We had no problems using Amex or any other cards on Venice.
And, as previously stated, most of us find the combo or ATMs and credit cards as the most economic way to travel overseas.
And, as previously stated, most of us find the combo or ATMs and credit cards as the most economic way to travel overseas.
May 26th, 2004, 09:55 AM
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Just exactly what kind of credit card do you carry?
We've relied on ATMs and credit cards throughout our travels in Europe (in Venice 3 times the last 4 years) and I don't recall having had any problems using our Visa/Amex/MC nor Bank of America credit cards.
We've relied on ATMs and credit cards throughout our travels in Europe (in Venice 3 times the last 4 years) and I don't recall having had any problems using our Visa/Amex/MC nor Bank of America credit cards.
May 26th, 2004, 10:10 AM
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Like a dummy, I goofed and left my ATM at home, which was my first mistake. So I was stuck with a credit card as my only way to get cash - with a 45 Euro fee for a cash advance. I had Visa, MC and American Express with me, so it didn't matter which one - most places didn't take any cards, period. We ate at several different cafe's where you sit outside and they serve you and none of them took credit cards. The meals averaged $50 for 3people and a bottle of wine. The vaporetto ticket place took credit card, and I know my hotel did, but I saw in the Green Book travel guide several listed that don't.
May 26th, 2004, 10:22 AM
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Ha - I guess you're right, Janis, about the moral of my story. Also, it's a warning to those who maybe don't have the extra cash in their account and need to use a credit card... When I realized that I had forgotten to put the ATM card in my travel bag after my visit to the bank before leaving, I wasn't concerned, since I knew I had the credit cards. In the US I use my debit card for for most purchases.
May 26th, 2004, 10:46 AM
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This is a good note to remind people to never take your credit card for cash advances or use at ATM's. It's very expensive. I used my debit card solely at ATM's and never had a problem with high fees. I did make the mistake, however, of using my debit card at a currency exchange location once, and the fee was exhorbitant.
If you don't have an ATM card and are planning a trip, be sure to get a card with a four digit pin before you leave. That way, cash is always available.
If you don't have an ATM card and are planning a trip, be sure to get a card with a four digit pin before you leave. That way, cash is always available.
May 26th, 2004, 12:01 PM
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This posting also serves as a good reminder to ask an establishment if it takes credit cards BEFORE you sit down and dine!
I don't doubt ProudMom's experience, but it's the first time I ever heard of anyone patronizing so many places in Venice that didn't accept credit cards.
I don't doubt ProudMom's experience, but it's the first time I ever heard of anyone patronizing so many places in Venice that didn't accept credit cards.
May 26th, 2004, 12:42 PM
#19
Good to clarify that for people!
Using credit cards w/ ATM's may be expensive as it is a "cash advance". But getting Euro w/ your ATM card attached to a checking account gives a good rate of exchange and costs only what is charged for an international transaction from your home bank ($0-3USD is typical).
So *my* moral to this story is never depend solely on credit cards - anywhere you travel. Many places in the world, smaller restaurants and local shops do not take CC's because of the high fees they must pay to accept them.
Using credit cards w/ ATM's may be expensive as it is a "cash advance". But getting Euro w/ your ATM card attached to a checking account gives a good rate of exchange and costs only what is charged for an international transaction from your home bank ($0-3USD is typical).
So *my* moral to this story is never depend solely on credit cards - anywhere you travel. Many places in the world, smaller restaurants and local shops do not take CC's because of the high fees they must pay to accept them.
