I am going to Italy this Friday, Should I buy the Euros in the USA or buy them in Italy?

Question

Can I use my ATM card in Italy to buy Euros or do I need to take the $$ first then buy the Euros? Should I put the charges on my credit card? If I buy a train pass, can I use it from the airport to the hotel and from Rome to Naples, from Naples to Florence, to Venice, to Milan?

Answer 1

When I went I brought some euros with me which was handy for little things I bought. When I need more cash I used the atm which I had no difficulty finding. Remember service fees using atms are not cheap, so when you use make sure you take enought to last you. Also, use your credit card at the stores.

Answer 2

You should be able to use your ATM card to get Euros, make sure you call your bank to find out what the fees are.  Credit cards work too but also check on fees, I found there is a range of fees the different banks charge.  The lowest charges we found were with Wachovia and Washington Mutual, so we tried to use those cards as much as possible.  Also check Bankrate.com, they have a summary list of banks and what they charge for ATM use in other countries.

Oh if you're planning to use bank cards over there make sure you call your bank to notify them, otherwise it might be flagged as possible fraudulent activity.  They will ask you the dates of your leave and return and where you plan to travel so it's noted on their system.

For train passes I don't believe you can use it from airport to hotel but I could be wrong.  I generally took a bus or cab.  Check out the Lonely Planet or Rick Steve's Guides, they're pretty helpful regarding trains in Italy.

Answer 3

My advice from going there last year is to have some euros before you go just in case. Most airports have places you can transfer the money into euros. But i would recomend a travel visa to get you through the rest of the trip. In the streets they do have atm machines but i found the travel visa easier.

Answer 4

Buy some Euros first, you can use your ATM card once you are there for more money and also your credit card. As to which one is better, call both banks and ask them what the % for the exchange they will add when you make a purchase and use this info to make your decision.

Answer 5

Dont exchange dollars for Euros at the airport, the commission is very high and they give you a bad exchange rate.

Go to Banco Di Roma or another popular bank and you'll get the best deal.

Answer 6

Use your ATM outside of any bank. Make sure you take out the maximum allowable each time you withdraw money.

Make sure you let your bank fraud department know you are going to Europe. if not, they could freeze you accounts because of overseas transactions that are not part of your regular routine.