Info about ATMs (Automated Teller Machines) in Italy
(LAST EDITED/UPDATED: 27 June 2006)
Here are some links about ATMs in Europe and Italy:
ATMs
In Italy, ATMs are also called bancomats. It should be noted that not all bancomats are created equal.
It should be noted that it has been observed by this blogger that the bancomats or credit card readers at self-serve gasoline stations in Italy for the dispensing of either gasoline or diesel fuel after regular working hours and not attended, do not accept US issued credit cards or bank cards (read debit). This situation has occurred to me in the last 3 - 4 years when traveling by car in Italy and France. I would pull into a self-serve gasoline station after hours when the gasoline station (Shell, ESSO, etc.) has closed for the day. Then, I would place either my credit card or my bank card (read debit) into the bancomat or credit card reader and nothing would happen - no error message. Locals would drive up and use either their Italian issued credit or bank card and the bancomat or credit card reader would accept their cards. What is weird is that I would return to the very same gasoline station later in the week during working hours and my credit card would be accepted. Please read comment below.
Please note: Under LOCATORS above, I only listed ones that had international locations indicated on their respective web site.
CAVEAT: Before you leave on your international trip or to Italy, be sure to notify your bank, respective financial institution or credit card company that you are traveling abroad and in which countries. You do not want to be surprised that your credit card or bank card doesn't work or stops working in an ATM in a foreign country. I have observed that credit card companies are much more vigilant of the credit card or bank card usage of their customers, especially if transactions are one day in the USA and the next in some forign country.
That's it for Tuesday, 25 April 2006: martedì, 25 aprile 2006.
Ciao, Ben
Today’s quote is an Italian proverb, author unknown.
"Meglio soli che male accompagnati."
Better be alone than in bad company.
Comment by reader, submitted on Wednesday, 26 April:
"Bancomat isn't a generic name for an ATM machine. It's a specific brand of card & can be used at ATM's marked Bancomat, POS, toll booths, etc.
Here are some links about ATMs in Europe and Italy:
ATMs
- LOCATORS
- ATM Locator – From 4040INFO Network
- International ATM Locator: Italy – Express Cash ATM Finder – From American Express
- Mastercard/Cirrus ATM Locator
- STAR ATM Locator
- INSTITUTIONS
- The Universal Currency Converter ® – The World's Favorite Currency Tool – From xe.com
- Foreign exchange 101, part one: Back to basics – From SmarterTravel.com
- Foreign exchange 101, part two: Fees for credit card use – From SmarterTravel.com
- the euro – In multple languages – From European Central Bank
- ATMs & Credit Cards: Minimizing Fees: 2006 – Graffiti Wall – From Rick Steves' Europe
- ATMs & Credit Cards: Minimizing Fees: 2005 – Graffiti Wall – From Rick Steves' Europe
- ATMs and Exchange Machines – From Durant Imboden's Europe for Visitors
- Banking in Italy – From Arcadia University Center for Education Abroad
- Converting Money - Saving Money with Dollars & Euro – by Henry Schulte, 2004 – From slow travel
- CURRENCY – From Select Italy
- How to Get the Best Exchange Rate (and Avoid Fees) – By DAVID A. KELLY Published: June 25, 2006 – Travel – From The New York Times
- Make the Most of Your Vacation Money: A Few Helpful Hints – From In Italy Online!
- Money in Italy – From Italy Gate Way
- More Thoughts on ATMs vs. Traveler's Checks – Graffiti Wall – From Rick Steves' Europe
- Planning a Trip: Money – From Frommer's Italy 2006
- Things you need to know about traveling with an ATM card – From About.com
- Travel Tips > Money – From Italian Government Tourist Board - North America
- Info on a Few Financial Topics in Italy, dated Wednesday, December 7, 2005
In Italy, ATMs are also called bancomats. It should be noted that not all bancomats are created equal.
It should be noted that it has been observed by this blogger that the bancomats or credit card readers at self-serve gasoline stations in Italy for the dispensing of either gasoline or diesel fuel after regular working hours and not attended, do not accept US issued credit cards or bank cards (read debit). This situation has occurred to me in the last 3 - 4 years when traveling by car in Italy and France. I would pull into a self-serve gasoline station after hours when the gasoline station (Shell, ESSO, etc.) has closed for the day. Then, I would place either my credit card or my bank card (read debit) into the bancomat or credit card reader and nothing would happen - no error message. Locals would drive up and use either their Italian issued credit or bank card and the bancomat or credit card reader would accept their cards. What is weird is that I would return to the very same gasoline station later in the week during working hours and my credit card would be accepted. Please read comment below.
Please note: Under LOCATORS above, I only listed ones that had international locations indicated on their respective web site.
CAVEAT: Before you leave on your international trip or to Italy, be sure to notify your bank, respective financial institution or credit card company that you are traveling abroad and in which countries. You do not want to be surprised that your credit card or bank card doesn't work or stops working in an ATM in a foreign country. I have observed that credit card companies are much more vigilant of the credit card or bank card usage of their customers, especially if transactions are one day in the USA and the next in some forign country.
That's it for Tuesday, 25 April 2006: martedì, 25 aprile 2006.
Ciao, Ben
Today’s quote is an Italian proverb, author unknown.
"Meglio soli che male accompagnati."
Better be alone than in bad company.
Comment by reader, submitted on Wednesday, 26 April:
"Bancomat isn't a generic name for an ATM machine. It's a specific brand of card & can be used at ATM's marked Bancomat, POS, toll booths, etc.
The Bancomat machine at the gas station wouldn't take your American credit/debit card, not because it's American, but because it's not a Bancomat card.
You can get a Bancomat card at many banks, including BancaPoste."
Mille grazie for your feedback, pastasugo
(LAST EDITED/UPDATED: 27 June 2006)
Mille grazie for your feedback, pastasugo
(LAST EDITED/UPDATED: 27 June 2006)
posted by Ben (2italy2) at 12:19 PM
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