Better to exchange CAN$ into Euro's here or in Europe ?

[stephroll]

Am leaving on trip to Italy and this is my first trip to europe .Am wondering , is it better to get euros over there or to exchange into euros here in Canada ?

[Pete_Coach]

Get a couple hundred Euros here and then take out what you need, as you need it, using your debit card. (yes ther is a $5 fee but it is better than carrying a ton of cash around). Use credit card for all major purchases. Travelers cheques are not honored in all places and you may have difficulty using them.
Always have cash when going into restaurants in Italy you would be surprised how many do not take credit cards. Also, have cash when shopping. Many small shops also don't take credit cards.
Also, search this forum for "exchange" and you will get tons more opinions on this very subject :)

[Cheap]

I use a bank machine when I get there. You really can't go that far wrong either way.

[almostfreeman]

I would be wary of using a CC for restaurants in Italy. Ya a lot of places don't accept them. If they do they seem to think if you are using one that you have a money tree back home so they don't feel too bad about jacking up your bill.

[Talamasca]

I would be wary of using a CC for restaurants in Italy. Ya a lot of places don't accept them. If they do they seem to think if you are using one that you have a money tree back home so they don't feel too bad about jacking up your bill.

But you get the bill first and then give them your credit card. They can't add on extra to the bill at that point.

[Pete_Coach]

I would be wary of using a CC for restaurants in Italy. Ya a lot of places don't accept them. If they do they seem to think if you are using one that you have a money tree back home so they don't feel too bad about jacking up your bill.

I have been to Italy many times and eaten in restaurants almost exclusively. I have always gotten the bill prior to deciding what I should use to pay. They never knew about my "money tree" and I always paid the price on the menu. Not sure what happened to you for you to make that comment.
OP, just keep your wallet in your front pocket in the bigger cities in Italy, the pickpockets are often children and they are real good.

[skewed]

I went to Europe in 2006. I brought like 200 euros and took out the rest as required. Like someone said, you don't want to be carrying around alot of cash on you at any given moment. Cash machines are very common in the majority of the countries. If you are going to England and Switzerland, they have their own currencies.

[i6s1]

The general rule is that it's cheaper to get currency once you arrive in your destination country.

[JeffTaylor1985]

I went from the U.S. to Vancouver and then onto the U.K. a few years ago, and it is definitely a good idea to use your credit card for most things. Carrying a lot of cash on you is very risky when traveling.

Credit Card company's policies vary widely, however, so call yours up and explain your travel plans. Then compare their fees/policies to what other CC companies offer and try to get yours to match the best one.

[almostfreeman]

I have been to Italy many times and eaten in restaurants almost exclusively. I have always gotten the bill prior to deciding what I should use to pay. They never knew about my "money tree" and I always paid the price on the menu. Not sure what happened to you for you to make that comment.
OP, just keep your wallet in your front pocket in the bigger cities in Italy, the pickpockets are often children and they are real good.

Ordered 3 panini ( nothing fancy just a slice of procuitto between 2 slices of bread) and 3 shots of Canadian Club at a stand up bar in Sperlonga. I went to pay and had no cash so I asked if they would take a CC. They said sure and billed me about $85. I balked at the price but they told me it was because of the extra fees for credit card processing. >:(

[Pete_Coach]

Ordered 3 panini ( nothing fancy just a slice of procuitto between 2 slices of bread) and 3 shots of Canadian Club at a stand up bar in Sperlonga. I went to pay and had no cash so I asked if they would take a CC. They said sure and billed me about $85. I balked at the price but they told me it was because of the extra fees for credit card processing. >:(

Whoa, ripped:(
Never had that kind of experience in the 10 years I had been going to Italy on buisness or pleasure. Sorry to hear that. I have never been charged a processing fee. Why did you or one of your buddies not zoom over to a bank machine and get cash?