How should I handle money while abroad?

Bank Hours: M-F 8:20am - 1:20 pm, 2:45- 3:45pm  
Closed Saturdays and Sundays

We recommend: Cassa di Risparmio di Firenze, Via Bufalini 4 - Tel 055/2612237

NOTE:  Checks from US Bank accounts CANNOT be cashed in Italy.

Please use ATM cards, credit cards, travelers’ checks or international money orders.

Western Union

You can have money wired to you Via Western Union, which has several offices in Florence center. Toll free number (from Italy): 800/464/464.

American Express (inside office) - Via Dante Alighieri 22r                        055/50981

Maccorp Italiana – Via del Calzaiuolo 42r                                                200/601622

Idea Di Ogbaide Ebmimieowei - Via Della Scala 8r                                  055/283636

Maccorp Italiana Foreschange - Via Alamanni 9r                                      800/601622

Maccorp Italiana SPA - Piazza Stazione 47r                                            800/601622

Maccorp Italiana – Via Por Santa Maria 3r                                               055/287309

ATM cards

You can withdraw money from your US checking accounts using your ATM card if you have the Cirrus or Plus symbols on the back of your card. Most of the machines have instructions in English.  You can find ATM machines (in Italian, bancomat) at almost any bank. **Be sure your bank has provided you with a FOUR digit PIN number before leaving. ***Be sure to contact your bank in the States prior to departure to let them know you will be abroad. Many banks block service thinking the cards have been stolen.

Mastercard-Visa

If you have a credit card pin number, you can get a cash advance from ATM machines in Italy. If you don’t have a PIN number you can get a cash advance at an exchange office or at a bank. ***Be sure to contact your credit card company in the States prior to departure to let them know you will be abroad. Many companies block service thinking the cards have been stolen.

Money Exchanging Machines

At banks throughout Europe, you will often find exchange machines (similar to an ATM).  You can exchange your cash here at decent rates.  They’re available 24-hours per day.