I will be traveling to Italy. What is the best way to carry money? ATM Card, or exchange into Euro then, here?

Question

I've never been there so I don't know if it's expensive and how much money I should take. Also, I don't know if it's smart to just take my bank card. I know I'll be sending items back through their postal service, any idea on how much I should put away to pay for that? One last thing... I will be visiting Milan, Venice, Florence, Siena, Rome, and Pompeii. Any places I should visit?

Answer 1

it would be besy to minimize how much you carry, the best exchange rate is usually by just using your atm or credit card.

Answer 2

Italy is generally pretty expensive for Americans right now partly because of the exchange rate between the dollar and the Euro. I paid the equivalent of $9.42 / gallon for diesel when I filled up on the way to work yesterday. If you're coming from elsewhere in Italy, it won't seem too much different. An ATM card or using credit cards for purchases is a good way to deal with Euros here. You'll want to look for a "Bancomat" as they're called here. They're widely available and most are on the major international networks. Just don't make a lot of small transactions, especially if your bank doesn't reimburse you for the ATM fees from other banks. I can't give you any advice on shipping things back to the US without knowing what you're sending.

Answer 3

I'd have to ask my mother, and I'll get back to you. She's right off the boat lol. As far as other places Calabria and Napoli true genuine towns of italy where alot of our families came from its beautiful, enjoy your vacation and if you visit these places be prepared for beautiful beaches but crazy winding roads HAVE FUN!

Answer 4

depends if your atm card charges you for using money abroad, as some banks will make you do that.

italy isnt too expensive, however i used to live in Milan, and have also visited places such as Florence, Venice, Rimini and Pompeii and never once had a problem with carrying money. the obvious would apply, for example if you are going to carry money, make sure you never take too much out with you at once - especially when visiting tourist areas, or when on italian trains and that when you leave your money in a hotel room, its in a safe. i would also check the exchange rate before you leave. for example, when i exhanchanged into euro back in may it was a h**l of a lot more expensive than when i changed it back.

i would suggest doing it in your own country, so you can be totally sure of commission rates, if any!

regarding the postal service, i think it would be safe to say that you should take as much money as you would expect to pay in your own country, i cant imagine it being too much more!

also, if you could, i would suggest visiting Sicily, its gorgeous.

Answer 5

Take your ATM card and take a bit of cash as well, generally it is easier to just get money out of an ATM and the exchange rates are usually better, but it is a good idea to carry some cash separately just in case of eventualities.  Italy is not cheap, you will probably spend more than you want to.  Postage depends on weight and where you are sending it to.  I sent a parcel that weighed about a kilo from Italy to Australia and it cost like 12 euros if that gives you an indication.  If you are going to Pompeii I would recommend spending a day or two in Naples as well, it's a pretty cool city.  Another place near there you should not miss is the Amalfi Coast, there are several small towns dotted along the coast and it is absolutely beautiful, you should not miss it.  Go to Sorrento and either hop on a bus or hire a scooter from there.  And if you have the chance the isle of Capri is lovely too.