TIPS ON TRAVELING TO ITALY WITH EUROS

Blog Post

Apr 27

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Are you traveling to Italy and unsure about travel with Euros, ATMs, Credit cards, and Debit cards? What do you need to take? And how much? What about all the fees?These tips are based on our personal experience traveling to Italy over the last 12 years.

DO I NEED TO ORDER EUROS BEFORE I LEAVE?

Yes and no. Italy widely accepts credit and debit cards, and this simplifies spending. But this country still loves cash. Most cafes and small markets will not accept debit/credit cards for transactions under 10 or 20 euros.

Most taxis do not take cards, so you will need euros to get to your hotel unless you have set up a car service in advance. We can do that for you; Pisano Destinations has some great suppliers for ground transportation.

We always order euros from our bank ahead of time. It takes about five business days, and they charge a fee. Be sure to request small bills; you will need them for the cafe or the taxi upon arrival.

If you prefer to wait, you can purchase euros at the airport but expect to pay a premium. Not a problem since you only need a small amount to get started. Plan to have 50 euros per adult.

HOW DO I GET EUROS ONCE I AM IN ITALY?

When you need more euros, Bank ATMs have the best exchange rates. You shouldn't have to go to the ATM every day. Draw larger sums from ATMs since you will probably be charged a per-transaction fee.

The smallest paper denomination is 5 euros. Coins come in 1 cent, 2 cents, 5 cents, 10 cents, 20 cents, 50 cents, and 1 euro and 2 euro. This means lots of coins. Hang onto your change. Unlike here, small merchants LOVE change (especially exact change).

Guidelines for Using Italy's ATM/Bancomat

Bancomat is the Italian ATM. Italy has a modern banking system, so locating an ATM is pretty easy. Bank ATMs are usually inside a secure lobby between the street and the bank. You may have to swipe your card to enter. This is where you will find the best possible exchange rate, and if you have an issue, you may have an option to go inside the bank.
ATMs can run out of euros, especially on the weekends. You will also find that they are temperamental, meaning your card may work in one ATM but not another. So try to keep 50 euros per person on hand for small purchases.
ATMs usually dispense in 20 euro and 50 euro denominations.
When asked if you would like to be charged in your home currency-always refuse this option. This "courtesy" is called the Dynamic Currency Conversion Fee (DCC) and costs you a premium. Always choose the localcurrency; this applies throughout Europe.
ATMs typically carry a daily 250 euro limit. Be aware that if your daily limit in the States.
Avoid independent ATMs if you can. Independent ATMs are those not attached to a bank.

WHAT ABOUT CREDIT/DEBIT CARDS?

We prefer to use credit cards for most transactions-including getting euros from the ATM. We don't risk our checking accounts getting hacked. This means paying a higher cash advance fee, but it is worth the peace of mind. This is strictly preference. If you are comfortable using your debit card, then, by all means, do so.

Credit/Debit Card Tips Before You Leave Home

Check with your bank and see if they offer a travel credit/debit card that waives international fees.
OBTAIN YOUR 4 DIGIT PIN NUMBER for your credit cards. You will need it to get a cash advance for (euros). So, get your pin ahead of time if you suspect you may have a wild night at the casino or want to err on the side of caution!

Guidelines for Credit/Debit Cards While In Italy

You will be able to make most of your purchases with credit/debit cards.
Master Card & Visa are the most commonly recognized cards in Italy. We also use Amex in some places with no issues. Few merchants accept Discover.
Credit/Debit cards are NOT accepted for the following: taxi services, many tour guides, markets, cafes, small convenience shops, and any transaction under 10 or 20 euros.
Debit/Credit cards can be used on main highways in Italy. Typically, the credit/debit card lane is unmanned, so if you have trouble with your card- Fuhgeddaboudit. Honestly, just let Pisano Destinations get you a driver.

WHAT ABOUT ALL THOSE FEES?

Draw larger sums from ATMs since you will probably be charged a per-use fee.
Avoid Dynamic Currency Conversion. Always choose the local currency.
Airports typically charge the highest fees to get euros.
Bank ATMs have the lowest transaction fees.
If you use Apple Pay, you will still pay overseas charges if they apply
Do some online research. Just be aware that you will read a lot of hype about fees. Ask your bank about how it charges international fees. Some charge 1-3% for each purchase.
Keep your receipts till you get home. Trust me; you will not be able to identify all the charges.

JUST HAVE FUN!

In summary, take a few credit cards and perhaps a debit card. Order some euros ahead of time. Obtain your PINs. You will not escape fees; accept them as part of the journey. Allow a little education, pre-trip planning, and common sense to prevail. Remember, you are on vacation.Stay calm and travel on, Debbie & Henry Pisanowww.pisanodestinations.com

Stay calm and travel on,