Page 374 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Rome

372  SUR VIV AL GUIDE

Banking and Local Currency Credit Cards and
Traveler’s Checks
ATMs are easily found across Rome. Many businesses Credit cards are widely
will accept credit cards, but some smaller family-run accepted in hotels, restaurants,
establishments still only accept cash. Exchanging and stores. All major credit
money and traveler’s checks can involve a lot of and charge cards (American
Express, MasterCard, Visa,
paperwork. Bank and post office exchange rates Diners Club) are well known.
are generally more favorable than those offered in Banks and cash dispensers
travel agencies. Carry some small change, since coins are more likely to accept Visa
are needed for tips and illuminating works of art cards for cash advances, but
and chapels in churches (see p367). MasterCard is accepted by
many retail outlets in Italy.
Take both if you have them.
Paying for anything in foreign
currency will almost always
be expensive.
Some restaurants and stores
set a minimum expenditure
level, below which they will
not accept credit card
payment. Ask first or make
sure you have some cash
just in case.
Traveler’s checks are not
as popular as they used to
be, and tourists are finding
it increasingly hard to cash
or spend them. If you decide
to use them, choose a
The Banca d’Italia, Italy’s central bank well-known name such as
American Express. Record
Banks and Bureaux offices, such as the one near the traveler’s check numbers
de Change
Piramide Metro station. and refund addresses
It is best to have a few euros Banks are usually open separately from the checks
when you arrive, to avoid 8:30am–1:20pm and 3–4:30pm themselves in case they
having to change money Mon–Fri, but opening times are stolen.
immediately. However, vary. They are always closed
ATMs are found everywhere, on public holidays. DIRECTORY
including at Fiumicino and Bureaux de change have
Ciampino airports. more generous opening Banks and Bureaux
For the best exchange rates, times, similar to store hours. The de Change
change money at a bank two exchange offices
(look for the sign Cambio). at Termini station (see p378) Banca Intesa San Paolo
Exchange offices and hotels are also open on Sundays. Via del Corso 226.
tend to give poor rates, even Map 12 E3. Tel 06-67121.
if they charge modest Open 8:05am–8pm Mon–Fri.
commissions. ATMs Banca Nazionale del
Lines in banks can be ATMs (Bancomat) can be found Lavoro BNL
long and the paperwork throughout the city and accept Piazza Venezia 6.
involved in changing money a wide range of credit and Map 12 F4. Tel 06-678 2979.
can take up a lot of time. debit cards. The daily limit Open 8:35am–1:35pm Mon–Fri.
Take some form of identi- for withdrawals is usually
fication with you, such as a €250. A fee is charged for Lost and Stolen Credit
passport. You may be asked each withdrawal. ATM crime Cards
to leave purses, shopping bags, (mainly related to card cloning
and metal objects in rather than to theft) has been American Express
the small lockers outside reported in the past. Always Tel 06-7290 0347.
the bank. use caution at an ATM: cover
Post offices also give the hand that is entering the Diners Club
good exchange rates, but code with the other hand, Tel 800-393 939 (toll free).
lines can be long here as and avoid withdrawing cash Visa and MasterCard
well. Currency can only be from any machine you are Tel 800-819 014 (toll free).
changed at the main post unsure about.

US_372-373_EW_Rome_US.indd 372 16/03/17 11:55 am
Eyewitness Travel LAYERS PRINTED:
Practical template “UK” LAYER
(Source v1.1)
Date 13th August 2012
Size 125mm x 217mm