In Italy the best way to get cash is with your ATM card. You can use it at Bancomats (cash machines found outside banks) or Postamats (cash machines found outside the post office). It is difficult to find places to change traveler’s checks or cash and the exchange rate you’ll get is usually bad.

Cash machines in Italy do not charge a fee but your bank probably adds on a flat fee for foreign exchange, a percentage of the amount you get, or both. Some banks charge more than others so it’s a good idea to check before you go, so you can get a card with a better rate if needed. At the time of writing, Capital One online banking ATM cards can be used in Italian cash machines with no fee. Also many credit unions do not charge a fee.

Another option is a pre-paid cash card that you can use to get money from a cash machine.

Before You Leave Home:

• Be sure you have a 4-digit PIN
• Check your daily cash withdrawal limit, you may need to ask for a higher limit
• Call your bank to let them know where you will be traveling and your travel dates
• Find out how to contact your bank if you have a problem while away
• Have 2 cards, preferably from 2 different accounts, and carry them separately so you have a back-up. If traveling with another person, have cards from different accounts.

Note: It’s a good idea to have some cash with you. You’ll need cash for lots of little things like buying a coffee at the bar, taking a city bus or metro, or even sometimes for using a public toilet. You will probably not be able to use your ATM card in stores to pay for purchases. You might not be able to use your credit card everywhere either. See more about credit cards in Italy.

---

See and save more places to create your own itinerary or modify a Bindu itinerary.

• 
  Photo by Martha Bakerjian
• 
  Photo by James Martin
• 
  Photo by Martha Bakerjian