My fiance and I are going to Italy for our honeymoon. How much money should we take?

Question

We are going for 9 days...Rome, Florence, and Venice. Also, I read that the exchange rate was better to just use the ATM...does anybody have any experience in Italy?

Answer 1

The exchange rate (dollar/euro) is terrible for Americans right now-one euro equals one dollar and 44 cents, and that is the online rate.  The rate you would get at a money changer would be much worse.  Use your bank card-don't bring much cash.

There are ATMs everywhere in the major cities-they don't always work, though, so be prepared for a hike.  You can always find another one.  (It is called a bancomat here, so you can always ask-Dov'e un' bancomat?)

I think you should change some money to bring with you-maybe $500, as the ATMs in the airports charge enormous fees, but for the rest of your trip, just use your card to get cash (but pay with your card when you can-the exchange rate is usually better for purchases than for cash withdrawals).

Traveler's checks are a DON'T.  No one takes them, and if you go to a bank, they will charge you an arm and a leg to cash them.

Answer 2

Personally, I would not bring any less than $100 dollars a day, per person. Things are very expensive over there, and you get caught up in the moment when you are walking around Rome. You probably wont spend as much money in Florence or Venice as you do in Rome. One thing to remember though, you can try to barter the prices down on little family owned stores. This wont work in corporation ran stores and shops, but it will work in boutiques and stores of that nature.

Answer 3

Check with your credit cards, most have a conversion fee if you use your card. Can be expensive if you charge alot.

Capital One has the cheapest conversion rate. (1%, I think)

ATM is the way to go. We brought cash but we had to hunt to get a good rate. We wised up and used the ATM machine,they are all over. Better rate. Take enough euros out to cover a couple of days.

If you are not on a tour, figure at least $100 a day per person. I think our dollar is worth 70 cents =a euro.

If you buy jewelry in Florence, bargain, bargain. They will come down in price.

Loved Italy. Good Luck, wishing you a very happy Honeymoon

Answer 4

My daughter and I had trouble finding ATMs in Venice and Rome (it's been a long time since I went to Florence); however, when we did find one that worked, the exchange rate was not much different than the banks.

Don't take traveler's checks; it's hard to find someone to cash them.

Also be aware that if you take food to go, it's cheaper (at least in Venice).

And whatever you do, DON'T take a gypsy cab; it will cost you a fortune.

You are going to love Italy! It's a gorgeous place with friendly people.