Are you traveling to Italy soon? If so you will need a few things while you are there but 100% will need a good power adapter to make sure you can charge your phone, CLICK HERE to see the best available. The type of currency you use when in Italy will be crucial and also how you exchange your dollars will mean the difference between getting fair rates and losing money. Read on to find out more…
USD to Italian Currency Exchange Rate
Like the majority of Western Europe including France, the official Italian currency today is the Euro (€). The Euro, however, was only officially adopted in 2002. The currency of Italy from 1861 until 2002 was the Lira, which was in fact considered a subunit of the Euro from 1999-2002, as the region migrated over to this unified currency. If you are looking to end money within the US consider a service such as the walmart money network.
In recent months, the conversion rate for €1 has stayed in the $1.10-1.14 range. Although the fluctuation is slight, be sure to check the exchange rate before changing your money on XE or Oanda before you travel. It’s helpful to think of €9 as $10 for easier conversion when making larger purchases. For example, a €180 bottle of exquisite Tuscan Brunello will run you about $200 ($198-205, depending on the current rate).
How and Where to Exchange Your Money
Looking to get a great Euro-to-Dollar exchange rate? Unfortunately, changing this type cash is always going to cost you. But there are a few tips you should know so you don’t get swept up by the confusion of currency exchange abroad.
Avoid cash exchange as much as possible
You’re guaranteed to lose 8-9% every time, sometimes more. That’s like throwing away a $10 bill for every $110 you exchange. If you do need to exchange dollars, however, only use a bank. Exchange booths advertise that they have the best rates, but in fact, they take a much bigger cut than banks – often 15%. In Italy’s major tourist spots such as Milan, Rome or Venice the “Cambio” money change operations will change you up to 19%!
Be wary of street scams
It isn’t too common, but Italian currency scams do exist. On the off chance you meet a nice stranger who offers you a fantastically unheard-of exchange rate, don’t take it. He’s either working with counterfeit money or is using some excellent sleight-of-hand to count your bills. You’re also running the risk of arrest if you’re caught.
The ATM is your friend
Avoid the hassle of shopping around for the bank with the best exchange rates and go for ATM withdrawal. This is the cheapest, fastest way to go to get the cash you need.
Forget the traveler’s checks
Not only will you lose the same 8-9% as if you were exchanging cash. You’ll also waste time in line at a bank, then getting the teller to properly handle this very out-of-date form of currency. Again, your best bet is to avoid dealing with humans altogether and hit the ATM.
Don’t bother exchanging money in advance
It’s a common misconception that it’s best to have some Euros in your pocket before you land in Italy. However, U.S. rates of exchange for the Euro tend to be even worse than those at Italian banks. Wait until you arrive at your destination airport, where you’ll find plenty of ATMs.
When you can, pay by credit card. Not everywhere will accept credit cards, so it is important to carry cash. But when you can use a card, you’ll get a much better exchange rate, even with the transaction fees your home bank may charge (usually 1-2%). Talk to your bank in advance about what fees to expect before you go abroad – even find out if there’s a way to reduce them. You don’t want to come back to find you’ve racked up an outrageous statement you didn’t anticipate