annhig

strangely enough, most Italian apartment owners would prefer cash.

I can't imagine why!

kayd

Am I the only person who never leaves home without ATM cards for two different accounts? I've only once needed to use the secondary, but I was sure glad to have it with me and not have to resort to a MasterCard cash advance.

tdk320n

I too have solved this problem by having 3 ATM cards for 3 different acccounts. I have found banks that do not require minimum deposits and do not charge a monthly fee and I use the 3rd card basically for traveling to take care of just such matters as above.

mosey

Thank you all for your continued input. Christina, my AAA does issue traveler's checks, and they will issue them in Euros. I will contact the owner, but I have a feeling that she is going to want cash. I wasn't considering a money belt, but maybe I should. I thought that I would split the money up between my husband and I. The mulitiple account ATM cards sounds like that might work for us. I tried to find a currency exchange place, but we are not a big international destination. Right now my best bank rate is $1.57 with oanda.com's rate at $1.48...ish!

mosey

I just got off the phone with my bank, and I could increase my limit, but I have to call them first right before I want to increase it, and then they will increase for a 24 hour period. I haven't decided on getting a cell phone, yet (another research project), and even if I did, I am getting off the plane in Rome, calling them, finding an ATM, hoping this all works, going through customs, finding our driver. Since we have not traveled, but once, to Europe since the kids were born, I don't think it warrants the hassle of opening up other accounts at other banks for multiple ATM cards. I was also told by my bank that I have to have a check card ATM card since just ATM cards do not work at European ATMs. Yes, I am sure many of you are saying, duh! Thanks for your patience. So what rate does VISA give at the European ATMs? Certainly, not commercial rate. Anyone know what % over commercial? My husband and I currently have two VISA check card ATM cards so that's not an issue for us. I am back to getting the euros here, eating the exchange, because at least I know I have the money, and that is one less thing for me to worry about.

kayd

Visa international imposes a small charge (it seems less than 1% in my experience) for the use of its international ATM processing system. That just gives you currency and tells your bank how many euros you got. The amount you actually pay in dollars depends on whether your bank adds anything (many are zero, some up to 3 percent) to the amount Visa reports to it.

mosey

Thank you, kayd.

Henry

mosey,
Your bank is incorrect. Plain ATM cards work all over Italy. Visa does provide a 'commercial' rate see http://usa.visa.com/personal/using_v...rates_faq.html
All the charges will come from your bank, VISA does charge your bank but your bank can pass it on, eat it, or increase it.