Banking & Exchange Rates

ATMs

There are ATMs from various Italian banks (known as bancomats) located throughout Florence and other major Italian cities including one on campus.  In addition, there are ATMs practically everywhere in Europe and most students found this to be the easiest way to get cash.  However, before you leave, speak to your bank about (1) the high fees they may charge for overseas use and (2) not flagging your account as fraudulent due to the overseas use.

Tips

• To counter the large fees some students took out large amounts of cash at one time. If you choose to do that be careful with your cash. (watch out for pickpockets!)
• Sometimes by the end of the week the ATMS would run out of money. Get your money early, especially if you know you will be traveling on the weekend

Credit Card

Western & Northern Europe: Used in most places.

Eastern & Southern Europe: Many places do not accept credit cards. Those that do more widely accepted MasterCard and Visa over AMEX.

• Some students came with them as backup for their cash and credit cards.
• Do not rely on them as they are not always accepted.
• If you lose them or if they get stolen you can put in a claim for your money.

 Traveler's Checks

• Some students came with them as backup for their cash and credit cards.
• Do not rely on them as they are not always accepted.
• If you lose them or if they get stolen you can put in a claim for your money.