So, I don't know if any of our esteemed readers have ever used - or
plan to use - these devilish devices.
I chose to use them on this trip because I have had several problems
with my Natwest card in the past and I didn't fancy carrying
ridiculous amounts of cash on us. I'd never had problems with them
before and saw only what they were advertised as: reassurance.
Three days ago we went out in Naples for a spot of housekeeping:
1). Posting something
2). Dropping off some washing at the laundry,
3). Cashing some travellers' cheques.
Not a single bank or exchange in the city of Naples will accept
Travellers' Cheques. From information we found when trying to find a
vendor, they haven't for some time.
There was one exception; the exchange at the station. They charged
15% of the total, flat rate. Oh, and a commission as well. On
this deal, we stood to lose over €200 if we changed the lot.
This morning, a charming pair of Cambio (Exchange) workers helped us
through the process of changing our TCs for a rate of 2% commission
plus €9 processing fee. I will be ever grateful to them and I don't
think I will ever use Travellers' Cheques again.
I'm not saying boycott AmEx entirely, (although I've not seen many of
their badges out here...) but talk to your bank and use credit/debit
cards or cash. Also, don't trust the online AmEx TC Locator map - if
a bank wants to turn you away, they will.
Seriously. Firenze has been a tonic today. It really has.
Next stop for the blog, however: Napoli/Naples!
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