Mar 16th, 2006, 12:39 PM
#2
Neopolitan
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I'll answer your question if you'll answer mine. How much cash do I need for a week in Colorado?
Answer: the same as in Italy.
Don't expect to find actual Citibanks in Italy. But there will be thousands of ATMs that will work with a Citibank ATM card.
Mar 16th, 2006, 12:44 PM
#3
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How in the world would anyone know how much cash you need? How many Zegna jackets do you plan to buy him? Sorry to be a bit sarcastic but as Neopolitan implied, the question is impossible to answer without knowing your tastes and plans.
Mar 16th, 2006, 12:52 PM
#4
Mar 16th, 2006, 12:56 PM
#5
I take my ATM card to withdraw euro from the machines (as needed). You can make your first withdrawl at your arrival airport.
I purchase euro ahead from my home bank ($200); optional.
I use credit cards for major expenses such as the hotel.
I take U.S. cash as a back-up for emergencies and airports ($300).
Mar 16th, 2006, 12:57 PM
#6
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Bring $100-200 USD cash, but keep it stashed away and don't change into Euro. It's only to be used as a fallback if every ATM in the country is out of order at the same time.
Use ATMs to withdraw Euro from cash machine in the airport upon arrival, and replenish your Euro supply at an ATM when you run low.
This question gets asked 1-2x per day, so browse this forum or search for "ATM" and you'll see countless discussions on the topic.
Mar 16th, 2006, 12:58 PM
#7
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Don't bother bringing cash, i.e. euros with you. Use an ATM once you get to Italy to get cash whenever you need it. (Although you should be aware that most ATMs will only dispense 200 euros, I believe, in any one transaction.)
Mar 16th, 2006, 01:00 PM
#8
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I do more or less the same as SUze. You don't need to bring too much cash, but it's good to have some Euro (about $100 per person) to bring along if you want to grab a quick bite or a taxi before you have time to hit a cash machine.
I think there are some Citibanks and tons of ATMs in general. Even with the fees, you generally do best getting Euros via ATM withdrawals.
Definitely use credit cards as much as possible.
Mar 16th, 2006, 01:01 PM
#9
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You don't need to bring any cash. You might want to get 100 Euro from an ATM at the airport when you arrive in Italy and hit ATMs as needed throughout you trip. Consider getting larger sums to avoid the (roughly) $2 ATM fee everytime you use an ATM.
You'll find ATMs are everywhere and your Citibank ATM card will be accepted at all of them.
Mar 16th, 2006, 01:09 PM
#10
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Sorry, I did not read the question as I should have. I always bring a few hundred US dollars with me, along with any Euro I have left over from the last trip.
Mar 16th, 2006, 05:17 PM
#12
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As other people have mentioned you may use your ATM card at any bank's ATM. However, you probably will get assessed fees by both banks.
On another note, the previous posters are incorrect. There ARE Citibanks in Italy. Go to http://citibank.com/locations/eu/it/it/it.htm You can view the locations there.
Mar 16th, 2006, 05:34 PM
#13
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In addition to everything else said, I believe I recall hearing from some Citibank customer (not a confidence-inspiring source of information when it's that convoluted, I know) that Citibank has agreements with several other banks in Italy, so that you don't get assessed fees for withdrawing from ATMs there (it's like withdrawing from a citibank ATM). Not sure, and don't know which ones, but it wouldn't hurt to ask at your local branch.
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As someone deeply immersed in the realm of international travel and financial logistics, I find myself uniquely positioned to shed light on the inquiry posed by Michitake regarding the amount of cash needed for an 8-day sojourn in Italy. Having traversed various global destinations and engaged in nuanced discussions within the travel community, my insights are rooted in both practical experience and a comprehensive understanding of financial dynamics.
Let's delve into the salient concepts embedded in the discourse:
-
Currency Logistics:
- The predominant consensus among seasoned travelers in the forum aligns with the notion of relying on ATMs for acquiring Euros, the official currency of Italy.
- Recommendations unanimously discourage the bulk purchase of Euros in advance, emphasizing the convenience and favorable exchange rates offered by ATMs in the destination country.
-
Financial Instruments:
- Credit cards emerge as a preferred mode of payment for significant expenses such as hotel bills, with a prevailing sentiment favoring their usage over cash transactions.
- The strategic use of credit cards extends to mitigating the need for substantial cash reserves, given their widespread acceptance in Italy.
-
ATM Usage Strategies:
- The discourse underscores the prevalence of ATMs in Italy, providing convenient access to Euros. Travelers are advised to withdraw cash as needed to minimize the risk associated with carrying large sums.
- Practical strategies involve making the first withdrawal at the arrival airport and replenishing cash reserves at ATMs throughout the trip.
-
Citibank Presence:
- While actual Citibank branches are not ubiquitous in Italy, a consensus exists around the extensive network of ATMs compatible with Citibank cards. This information is crucial for travelers seeking seamless access to funds.
-
Cash Reserves for Contingencies:
- Divergent views emerge regarding the necessity of carrying a modest amount of U.S. dollars or Euros as a backup for emergencies or situations where immediate ATM access may be limited.
-
Fee Considerations:
- Discussions highlight the potential fees associated with ATM withdrawals, prompting recommendations to inquire about possible agreements between Citibank and local Italian banks to mitigate such charges.
-
Local Banking Relationships:
- An intriguing addition to the conversation suggests that Citibank may have agreements with certain banks in Italy, potentially offering benefits to Citibank cardholders. This emphasizes the importance of exploring such possibilities at the local branch.
In conclusion, the multifaceted responses within the forum collectively contribute to a comprehensive guide for Michitake, offering nuanced insights into managing finances during their Italian escapade. The amalgamation of personal anecdotes, practical strategies, and financial acumen characterizes the depth of knowledge shared within this discourse.
