Cash vs. credit in Rome and Florence
 

We are trying to figure out how to go about the money situation when in Rome and Florence. Are there a good amount of ATMS that will allow us to draw from our American banks? Or will we have to exchange right away and keep that money with us. Futhermore when we exchange is it easier to exchange in the US before we go or in Italy once we get there? Would anyone suggest using credit cards over cash during the course of the trip?

Please repost on the Europe board.

ATM's are everywhere and you use them just like in the US. Get your money in Italy. Notify your bank and credit cards that you will be traveling.

marking. :-) ((b))

Buying euros in the us and bringing them is somewhat analagous to buying oranges in Chicago before your trip to Florida.


You will pay a premium for the privelege of buying euros in the US before you go. No need. Use your ATM card once you arrive.

It's ok to carry one orange or small bottle of juice to tide you over, but buying and carrying a whole case of oranges does not make sense. Ditto for Euros - bring a small amount ($100 or less) with you if you really must have euros in hand the moment you step out of the airplane and before your reach the 1st ATM or change bureau 50yards away.

Hi--Has anyone used a Tripple A (AAA) money card? From what I understand you pre-load the card with cash here in the States (max $10,000.00). The card has a visa logo on it as can be used anywhere that accepts VISA. Credit card companies usually charge a surcharge of 3%--ATM'S vary according to your bank and the banks in Italy. If you are a Bank of America Client and in a metro region--they do not charge to get the Euros for you--otherwise there is a fee---Just wondering if any of the travellers that sign into this website ever used it and what their thoughts are---we are going to Italy in October and I think we may go with the Tripple A card and a small amount of Euro for taxi's, etc. Please let me know your thoughts on this---Thank You

The way I understand the AAA travel card is that it is just like others that are similar. You pay for one, they give you a poor rate of exchange, and you pay every time you use it. I have yet to hear an advantage except giving one to a teen or someone for whom you want to set a limit to their spending.

These cards are a great idea for the banks or organizations since they make a ton of money on them.

In europe you pay for whatever you can using credit cards. for cash you pull money from ATMs just like here (but with a 4 digit code and ONLY attached to your checking account).

Try to find a credit card and ATM/bank account that charges the least (1 or 2%) over the interbank exchange rate. (If you change cash - or HORROR trav checks - you pay 8 to 10% more - plus often fees with the latter.)