In Italy, you'll get the best rate of exchange (cambio ) at a bank . There are a few nationwide banking chains - the Banca Nazionale del Lavoro, Crédito Italiano and Cassa di Risparmio, among others - as well as regional chains like the Banca di Roma, Banco di Napoli or Banco di Sicilia. Banking hours are normally Monday to Friday mornings from 8.30am until 1pm, and for an hour in the afternoon (usually 3-4pm). There are local variations on this and banks are usually open only in the morning on the day before a public holiday. Be warned that changing travelers' cheques in a bank can entail a long wait - up to half an hour - so make sure you're in the right queue. Outside banking hours, the larger hotels will change money or travelers' cheques, although if you're staying in a reasonably large city the rate is invariably better at the train station exchange bureau - normally open evenings and weekends. Check the "Listings" sections of the main city accounts in the Guide for locations and specific opening hours.

Emergency cash
If you run out of money, or there is some kind of emergency, you can have money sent out by contacting your bank at home and have them wire the cash to the nearest bank , but bear in mind that this is an expensive way to send and receive money abroad and can, in some cases take weeks not hours; it should be considered only as a last resort. Many banks have reciprocal arrangements with banks in Italy through which transfers are likely to prove less expensive - check with your bank before traveling.

Alternatively you can use a specialist money wiring agency . The cash should be available for collection, usually in local currency, from the company's local agent (who will make a small charge of roughly £1/$1.50 for tax) within a few minutes of being sent. Western Union or Moneygram charge on a sliding scale (in the UK, roughly £12 for sending £100, £35 for £500, £80 for £2000), so sending larger amounts of cash is better value. Thomas Cook have a much cheaper flat rate (£25 in the UK) but it takes one or two days for the money to arrive.

Italy guide

Getting there
When to go
Where to go
Italy general info
Italy
Average costs
Credit and debit cards
Cost, money, banks
The euro
Insurance, health cover
Embassies, consulates
Red tapes, visas
Banks and exchange
Travelers with disabilities
North-South divide

Getting around
Ø Trains
Ø Flights
Ø Driving
Ø Cycling, motorbiking
Ø Ferries, hydrofoils
Ø Hitchhiking
 

Festivals:
Ø Religious, traditional
Ø Diary festivals
Ø Food festivals
Ø Arts Festivals
Ø Ferragosto

Italy food and drink
Ø Italian cuisine
Ø Italian pizza
Ø Lunch and dinner
Ø Drinking

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