The most painless way of dealing with your money is probably by using credit or debit cards, which, in conjunction with your personal identification number (PIN), give you access to cash dispensers (Bancomat). Found even in small towns, these accept all major cards. Cards can also be used for cash advances over the counter in banks and for payment in most hotels, restaurants, petrol stations and some shops; for all these transactions you will pay a fee of 1.5 percent, but the rate of exchange will be in your favor. If you have an Australian or New Zealand key or debit card, arrange for cirrus, plus or maestro withdrawal facilities to be added before you leave home. You will be charged for withdrawing cash but the rates compare favorably.

A safer option is to carry your money in the form of travelers' checks, available from any British high-street bank, whether or not you have an account, as well as post offices and some building societies. Most American and Canadian banks sell American Express checks, and they're widely accepted; your local bank will probably also sell one or more of the other brands. To find the nearest bank that sells a particular brand, or to buy checks by phone or over the Internet, contact the following companies: American Express (phone 1-800/673-3782), Citicorp (phone 1-800/645-6556 ), MasterCard International/Thomas Cook (phone 1-800/223-7373 ), Visa (phone 1-800/227-6811). The usual fee for travelers' check sales is 1 or 2 percent, and it pays to get them in either sterling or dollars. Make sure to keep the purchase agreement and a record of check serial numbers safe and separate from the checks themselves. In the event that checks are lost or stolen, the issuing company will expect you to report the loss forthwith to their nearest office; most companies claim to replace lost or stolen checks within 24 hours.

You'll usually - though not always - pay a small commission when you exchange money using travelers' checks - again around 1 percent of the amount changed, although some banks will make a standard charge per check regardless of its denomination - usually around £6000/?3.10. It's worth knowing that Thomas Cook offices don't charge for cashing their own checks, and American Express offices don't charge for cashing anyone's checks.

It's an idea to have at least some Italian/euro cash for when you first arrive. You can buy lire over the counter in British banks; most American banks will need a couple of days' notice.

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

Google maps

Earth