are there many travelers check cashing places on venice and if so, where, and do you know their fees are their any americamn express offices in venice? thank you

Hi fpsoley,

I'd do a search here on "travellers cheques". You will find that it is NOT recommended to use them, being both inconvenient and outright expensive. technology is such that ATMs are now widespread worldwide and you can access your bank accounts while you travel.

Traveler's checks are something your parents used...and have gone the way of party line rotary phones.

Use your ATM card, it will work everywhere. If it has a Visa or MC logo on it, even better.

I agree with the above posters. I use ATM's pretty much exclusively. I always bring a duplicate ATM card in case the unthinkable happens and my card is eaten by a machine. Of course, that never has happened, but I'm ultra cautious.

In days past, I brought a few traveler's checks with me as backup but I don't do that any more.

I believe that using my ATM card and credit card is the most economical way to go. From everything I've read, one receives the best exchange with those two cards.

I have learned, however, to take the maximum amount when I get cash, since my bank charges $5.00 for a foreign bank whether I get $500 worth of foreign money or $200.

Hello fpsoley, to answer your question about American Express in Venice, yes they do have an office. If you are in the Piazza San Marco face west (the Grand Canal will be on your left). Exit the Piazza San Marco through the west exit (which will be straight ahead of you per my above description). Keep walking straight ahead after leaving the Piazza San Marco and you will find the American Express office on your right. I hope you have a beautiful time in Italy.

American Express-- American Express is at San Marco 1471, 30124 Venezia, on Salizzada San Moisè just west of Piazza San Marco (tel. 041-520-0844). In summer, the office is open for banking Monday to Saturday 8am to 8pm (for all other services, 9am-5:30pm); in winter, hours are Monday to Friday 9am to 5:30pm and Saturday 9am to 12:30pm (for banking and other services).

fpsoley, if you want to take traveller's checks in US $ (assuming you're American) then that's OK, but take them as a back up to your ATM card and do not plan on using them unless there's an emergency. Please use your ATM card to get all of your cash. You will save a fortune in fees and it's a lot more convenient. Have a great trip.

Ditto PM