Many tourists may be used to the old and faithful traveler's checks. But there are other, more convenient, and perhaps easier ways of getting your hands on some euro while you vacation in Italy.

ATMs Are Called Bancomat

Buying euro from your bank in the United States can be expensive. Most banks will charge up to 10 percent in fees. The same goes for exchanging money at exchange airports, counters, and hotels in Italy. The best exchange rates can be found at ATMs (bancomat, pronounced BAHN-koh-maht).

Check with your bank before you leave to determine if there are any service charges involved with ATM use abroad. Your bank may allow free ATM use through a specific Italian network (Cirrus and BankMate are two of the most widely available). ATMs in Italy will usually only allow you to withdraw money from your primary account (usually your checking account).

If you're used to keeping a low balance in your checking account and a high balance in savings, you may want to call your bank to make sure that your checking and savings accounts are linked.

Banks

If you do not have an ATM card, your best bet is to exchange money at a bank. Be advised, though: Banks in Italy are usually open from 8:35 A.M. to 1:35 P.M., and again from 3:00 P.M. to 4:00 P.M. Paperwork can take some time, and the exchange rate, though it may be better than what you might find at the airport, still leaves a bit to be desired.

Credit Cards

Major credit card accounts usually offer cash advance type services. These transactions benefit from the anti-fraud protection that accompanies your account (save your receipts!). Though the exchange rates can be compatible, check on the types of fees and charges associated with these transactions.

If you plan on using a credit card for purchases while you are in Italy, make sure to call your bank or credit card company before you leave to confirm that you will be using your card in Italy. Not doing so may alert your credit card company's anti-fraud department at an inopportune time!

Traveler's Checks

Many travelers still insist on the convenience and safety that traveler's checks offer. With the prominence of ATMs and credit card use, travelers will find that traveler's checks are not as widely accepted as they used to be. You will be able to exchange them in banks and in hotels, but don't count on them being accepted at local shops and restaurants.

The Euro

The euro is used as the national currency in 12 European countries, including Italy. The seven banknote denominations (5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500) have a common design in all countries, but the eight denominations of coins have a single European design on one side, and unique national designs on the other.

Coin	Design
1 cent	Castel del Monte in Apulia
2 cent	The Mole Antonelliana Tower in Torino
5 cent	The Colosseum in Rome
10 cent	Sandro Botticelli's Birth of Venus
20 cent	Unique Forms of Continuity in Space by Umberto Boccioni
50 cent	Statue of Emperor Marcus Aurelius on horseback
1 euro	Leonardo da Vinci's famous drawing of the human body
2 euro	Drawing of Dante Alighieri by Raphael

Useful Vocabulary and Phrases

The following terms and expressions will help you navigate Italian financial institutions — or at least they will help you as you try to exchange money.

MONEY AND THE BANK

money	il denaro/i soldi
the euro	l'euro
change	il cambio
banknote	la banconota
coin	la moneta
currency	la valuta
dollar	il dollaro
British pound sterling	la sterlina
check	l'assegno
traveler's check	il travelers check
to cash (a check)	incassare un assegno
bank	la banca
counter	lo sportello
teller window	la cassa
exchange rate	il tasso di cambio
to sign	firmare

At the Bank

To which counter do I go to change money?

A che sportello devo andare per cambiare del denaro?

Is there a commission?

C'è una commissione da pagare?

What's the exchange rate for the dollar?

Qual'è il tasso di cambio per il dollaro?

Where do I have to sign?

Dove devo firmare?

What is today's date?

Qual'è la data di oggi?

What time does the bank open?

A che ora apre la banca?

What time does the bank close?

A che ora chiude la banca?

Do you accept credit cards?

Accettate la carta di credito?

Can you change money for me?

Potete cambiare delle banconote per me?

Can you change dollars for me?

Potete cambiare dei dollari per me?

Can you change American/Australian/Canadian dollars for me?

Potete cambiare dei dollari Americani/Australiani /Canadesi per me?

Where can I get money changed?

Dove posso cambiare delle banconote?

Where can I get foreign money changed?

Dove posso cambiare della valuta straniera?

Where can I change a traveler's check?

Dove posso cambiare un travelers check?

What is today's exchange rate?

Quantè il cambio di oggi?

Where is an automatic teller machine (ATM)?

Dove posso trovare un Bancomat?