I have seen many emails detailing what a nightmare it is to deal with trenitalia. I called my credit card company in advance to let them know I would be making a purchase in trenitalia's website. I tried to make a purchase twice but the payment was declined. I called my credit card company and they say they don't even see the denial in their system. Has anybody had a similar problem?

Thanks.

Just buy train tickets when you get to Italy. The machines are easy to use.

I had a similar problem with my Citibank mastercard - would not let me complete the transaction.

The solution? I used Citibank's 'virtual' credit card numbers - one of there online 'identity theft' solutions. Purchase went right through with no problem.

Yes, you can purchase tickets when you get to Italy, but it is very handy to pre-purchase using the ticketless option, then you simply give the conductor the ticket (PNR) code or show him the printout of the receipt on board.

what is that virtual citibank credit card number???

If you are a citibank cardholder, you can go to the website. Instead of using your real card number for online transactions, Citibank will generate a new number, valid only for the day that you can use for online purchases.

It is called a virtual # because it links back to your account, but it not the real number on the card.

Weird - station machines are idiot-proof and take American credit cards - in a few minutes you have everything done.

trenitalia.com is on the other hand so nightmarish for many

why can't they simply put the station machine system online and no one would have a problem

guess trenitalia doesn't want foreigners to buy from the site. This problem has been going on for years now, even after everytime Trenitalia retools their site.