Currency
Main Addresses For Traveler's Cheques and Cred
ATM Machine and the Euro
Banks
ATM's in Italy
Currency Converter
In order to protect yourself, it is always wise to carry a mixture of cash and traveler's cheques. It is very easy to exchange money Italy's large urban cities, however it is somewhat more difficult in rural areas. Interest rates and commissions vary somewhat drastically depending on which financial institution you use, with banks normally having the best rates.
Tourists can get a better exchange rate for traveler's cheques and they are safer to carry, but they are not as liquid as cash. American Express, Visa or Thomas Cook Traveler's Cheques are readily accepted. Many hotels do not accept Traveler's checks without a high commission.
Many hotels, restaurants and shops in urban areas accept credit cards, the well-known and more accepted ones being Visa, MasterCard, and American Express.
Tourists can get a better exchange rate for traveler's cheques and they are safer to carry, but they are not as liquid as cash. American Express, Visa or Thomas Cook Traveler's Cheques are readily accepted. Many hotels do not accept Traveler's checks without a high commission.
Many hotels, restaurants and shops in urban areas accept credit cards, the well-known and more accepted ones being Visa, MasterCard, and American Express.
The Euro (€) is made up of 100 cents. Please check with your bank for current rates of exchange. Euros can be purchased at foreign exchange departments in your local bank or at any bank in Italy (including those located at airports which are open for all flight arrivals). ATMs are located at most banks and most accept major credit cards, with Visa and MasterCard being the most widely accepted, as well as Plus and Cirrus debit cards.
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Thomas Cook
Rome Via del Corso 23 Roma 00186 Tel: (+ 39) 06 323 0067 Venice Piazza San Marco, 142 Venezia 30124 Tel: (+ 39) 041 522 4751 Florence Ponte Vecchio, Lungarno Acciai Firenze 50123 Tel: (+ 39) 55 289781 |
American Express
Rome
Largo Caduti Di El Alamein 9 Roma 00173 Tel: (39)(06) 72280308 Mon-Fri 9:00am-5:00pm Venice 1471 San Marco Venezia 30124 Tel: (39)(041) 5200844 Mon-Fri 9am-5:30pm Sat 9am-12:30pm Florence Via Dante Alighieri 22/R Firenze 50123 Tel: (39)(055) 50981 Mon-Fri 9:00am-5:30pm Sat 9:00am-12:30pm Milan Via Brera 3 Milano 20121 Tel: (39)(02) 72003693/72003696 Mon-Thu 9:00am-5:30pm Fri 9:00am-5:00pm |
ATM machines are available in almost every major city, although they are not always extremely easy to find. Exchange rates are currently posted in every bank.
Conducting business in Italian banks is a time consuming effort involving extraordinary amounts of paperwork, form filling, and lines (one of the few places one finds a line in Italy).
To exchange currency, look for signs that read 'Cambio' - these are usually clearly marked. Don't be put off by the blatant security in banks; many feature electronic double doors and highly armed guards.
To exchange currency, look for signs that read 'Cambio' - these are usually clearly marked. Don't be put off by the blatant security in banks; many feature electronic double doors and highly armed guards.