best place and way to get money

[piratesmate123]

We'll be in Rome for 5 days before our cruise. Are we better off getting all our Euros in Rome before we leave for the cruise? (We're taking a cab because we always overpack and so we don't have to worry about getting pickpocketed in Termini.) Or, are we better just going to the ATM's in each port and get a little money for the day? Does Rome have the best rates, or are the rates pretty much the same all over? Which ATM cards are accepted easily? Do ATM cards give better rates than credit cards or debit cards? What about the American Express office in Rome for changing traveler's checks - do they give good exchange rates? Thanks to all for the info. Linda

[mochuck]

I don't like to carry too much cash. I prefer to use my credit card as much as possible and just have a small amount of cash for small purchases. I think travellers' checks are a bit of a hassle when you csan just stick a card in a machine and get cash.

[NAS-KARR]

At the end of each day, hit an ATM for tomorrows money plus 50 to 100 more E's. Don't worry about the best rate and all that other crap, you don't have time for that.That's all you do..keep it simple..unless you want to monkey around like a CPA and play the money game all day.

CIAO,

[whogo]

"Are we better off getting all our Euros in Rome before we leave for the cruise?" It makes little difference whether you get all your euro at once or in a number of transactions. If there is an ATM transaction fee, you minimize your cost by taking out a few large amounts rather than a lots of small amounts. I am uncomfortable carrying more than a few hundred dollars worth of currency.

 

"Does Rome have the best rates, or are the rates pretty much the same all over?" The rates at ATM's are pretty much the same all over and will be determined by the Visa or Mastercard network. The rates will vary from minute to minute. Your bank may have an agreement with some foreign banks that eliminates transactions fees. Rates at banks and bureaux de change may vary wildly.

 

"Which ATM cards are accepted easily?" Visa and Mastercard ATM cards should be accepted readily. They are part of the Plus and Cirrus networks, respectively. Look for the symbols on your card and the ATM machine. Just like US truckstops and convenience stores, ATM machines in small shops in Europe will add an extra fee.

 

"Do ATM cards give better rates than credit cards or debit cards?" Rates vary from card to card. See: http://flyerguide.com/wiki/index.php/Credit/Debit/ATM_Cards_and_Foreign_Exchange for comparison charts.

 

"What about the American Express office in Rome for changing traveler's checks - do they give good exchange rates?" Probably not. They will advertise "no fee" but will make up for it in the exchange rate. You probably do not want to spend your vacation time seeking out the office.

 

For more reading I recommend:

http://www.ricksteves.com/plan/tips/moneytip.htm

[cberge]

Don't even think about using Am.Express for anything..rates,rxchange etc. are some the hioghest we have ever seen in any city.And..TC's are almost hard to use anywhere.You go to great advise from other poster's on this thread.You will be fine using ATM's or taking Am.$'s,and exchanging them for Euro at a currency exchange(but make sure to check their rates first as they differ from one to another when you are in a large city,and then just slpit up your money here and there and keep what you don't need in the room safe.Don't worry about exchange rates as whogo said...they vary one minute to the next.Check with your bank to make sure your ATM card is accepted all over and have another one as backup.You will be fine.

[piratesmate123]

Thanks everyone for the helpful responses. Just trying to figure out all the little details - less than 4 weeks to go now! Linda

[nomars_girl]

Also, make sure you let your bank and credit card companies know that you will be traveling outside the US and which countries you will be visiting. One of our CC companies froze our card because they suspected fraud.

 

We found that credit cards were not as widely accepted as they are in the US, so you will need cash for smaller purchases and for tickets to some museums or attractions.