How should I handle money while abroad?

We suggest that you arrive with enough traveller's checks to pay for your initial costs.After that it may be best to use your ATM card, withdrawing money from your US account as needed. ATM cards are probably the easiest way to handle money; there are plenty of compatible ATM's in Florence. Check with your bank to ensure that your PIN number is valid in Europe. When planning major expenditures (such as rent), remember that you will have the same daily withdrawal limit (about $300) as at home. ATMs in Florence have instructions in English. 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.

Once you have budgeted for your time abroad, figure about $150 more per month in case of an emergency. You will want easy access to this total amount in the form of cash Euro. There are three basic ways of getting cash Euro in Italy: traveler's checks, Automated Teller Machine cards, and credit cards.
Traveler's checks in U.S. dollars are widely accepted. In Europe, US traveler's checks often get a better exchange rate than plain cash. American Express traveler's checks can be cashed anywhere, but AmEx cashes them without a commission. The American Express office in Florence is located at: Via Dante Alighieri, 20-22. It is open M-F 9am-5:30pm and on Sat from 9am-12:30pm. It is also possible to have money wired to you at this office.

Visa and Master Charge are universally accepted; American Express and Diners Club less so; Discover not at all. The exchange rate is good, there are no transaction fees. Using your credit card at ATM's to take a cash advance will work if you have a valid PIN number. You may also request a cash advance on your credit card by walking into the bank.

Bank Hours: M-F 8:20am - 1:30pm and 2:45pm - 3:45pm  
Closed Saturdays and Sundays