Monetary Unit Used
While in Italy, we will being using the euro ( € )
$ 1 = € .93
€ 1 = $1.07
The value is in constant fluctuation so I may be pennies off on these figures.
To keep track of the ever-changing conversion rates, you can reference this website:
http://www.xe.com/currencyconverter/
American money is useless in Italy. You can avoid high conversion charges by bringing an ATM card to access euros while abroad or by ordering them ahead of time and bringing them with you. The ATM card option is better and cheaper! The only time you'll use the U.S. dollar is at any airport connections we have within the U.S.
Spending Money
The EF booklet suggests $25-50 per day for spending money. I think that amount sounds extreme. Since breakfast and dinner are provided in the trip cost, all you’ll need to pay for is lunch (and that usually won’t run you more than $5-$7). Usually we pick up something quick and inexpensive. Some people pocket an extra roll and piece of fruit from the breakfast table and have that later in the day. You’ll also want money for treats (i.e. gelato and other snacks, soft drinks, bottled water) during the day. If you do not have a credit card or debit card, which is your best bet for purchases over $10 or cash from ATM's, you may want to check into purchasing a prepaid debit card or credit card. Whatever you decide, make sure it can be used in Europe and that you notify them that that is where you plan on using it. (SEE ARTICLE BELOW ON USING ATM'S IN EUROPE). A few days before we leave, notify your credit card company that you will be using your card out of the country so that they don't freeze the card making it useless. This has happened in the past!
This is primarily for the youngest of our group: It is crucial that you pace your spending! In past years, a few students spent ALL of their money early on in the trip buying souvenirs, gifts for themselves, etc. They had no money left to buy lunch or other items they wanted to buy later on. Suggestion: Buy souvenirs toward the end of the trip so that you don't have as much to lug around the entire time and also so you can pace your spending money better.
Other Suggestions:
-- buy bottled water on the bus or from grocery stores we pass (cheaper)
-- get enough money for 2 days at a time at ATM's
-- keep coins readily available for entrance to toilets in some public places
While in Italy, we will being using the euro ( € )
$ 1 = € .93
€ 1 = $1.07
The value is in constant fluctuation so I may be pennies off on these figures.
To keep track of the ever-changing conversion rates, you can reference this website:
http://www.xe.com/currencyconverter/
American money is useless in Italy. You can avoid high conversion charges by bringing an ATM card to access euros while abroad or by ordering them ahead of time and bringing them with you. The ATM card option is better and cheaper! The only time you'll use the U.S. dollar is at any airport connections we have within the U.S.
Spending Money
The EF booklet suggests $25-50 per day for spending money. I think that amount sounds extreme. Since breakfast and dinner are provided in the trip cost, all you’ll need to pay for is lunch (and that usually won’t run you more than $5-$7). Usually we pick up something quick and inexpensive. Some people pocket an extra roll and piece of fruit from the breakfast table and have that later in the day. You’ll also want money for treats (i.e. gelato and other snacks, soft drinks, bottled water) during the day. If you do not have a credit card or debit card, which is your best bet for purchases over $10 or cash from ATM's, you may want to check into purchasing a prepaid debit card or credit card. Whatever you decide, make sure it can be used in Europe and that you notify them that that is where you plan on using it. (SEE ARTICLE BELOW ON USING ATM'S IN EUROPE). A few days before we leave, notify your credit card company that you will be using your card out of the country so that they don't freeze the card making it useless. This has happened in the past!
This is primarily for the youngest of our group: It is crucial that you pace your spending! In past years, a few students spent ALL of their money early on in the trip buying souvenirs, gifts for themselves, etc. They had no money left to buy lunch or other items they wanted to buy later on. Suggestion: Buy souvenirs toward the end of the trip so that you don't have as much to lug around the entire time and also so you can pace your spending money better.
Other Suggestions:
-- buy bottled water on the bus or from grocery stores we pass (cheaper)
-- get enough money for 2 days at a time at ATM's
-- keep coins readily available for entrance to toilets in some public places
LATEST NEWS FOR Smart/iPhone OWNERS:
If you download the app Viber or Facebook Messenger onto your phone, you can make international phone calls and text absolutely free -- with a Wi-Fi connection -- to any other Smart/iPhone with the same app downloaded.
Old School iPhone Tips for International Travel
Staying connected while traveling the world is easier than ever. Before you travel, however, you should make sure your device is set up properly and that you are aware of all the costs involved.
Here are some tips to save you money while using your iPhone in Europe:
Before you leave:
If you download the app Viber or Facebook Messenger onto your phone, you can make international phone calls and text absolutely free -- with a Wi-Fi connection -- to any other Smart/iPhone with the same app downloaded.
Old School iPhone Tips for International Travel
Staying connected while traveling the world is easier than ever. Before you travel, however, you should make sure your device is set up properly and that you are aware of all the costs involved.
Here are some tips to save you money while using your iPhone in Europe:
Before you leave:
- Activate a “Data Global Add-On” plan for international data roaming. AT&T plans vary in cost based on how many MBs you need. The cheapest option, for an additional $24.99 a month (on top of your domestic voice and data iPhone plan), offers users 20MB of data per month. If you go over the limit while within a list of approved countries, you will be charged $.005/KB per additional KB which is roughly $5 per MB. If you wander outside of that list of approved countries, the cost is $.010 per KB or $10 per MB.
- Activate the “AT&T World Traveler” plan which allows for cheaper call & SMS rates. Plans start at $5.99 and lower the cost per minute for voice calls and allow for a select number of instant messages.
- Download the free AT&T myWireless Mobile app to easily manage your service add-ons while traveling.
- Download the free Skype app available for the iPhone which allows you to make cheap calls over WiFi. I skip/miss regular calls to my iPhone number and then call right back using Skype.
- Turn off all push data services and notifications. Go to Settings>Mail>Fetch New Data> then select Push and turn it OFF. On the same screen, set Fetch to Manually.
- Move or delete anything you can out of your IMAP email account inbox to reduce data updates.
- Turn off Data Roaming on you iPhone by going to Settings>General>Network>Data Roaming then turn OFF Data Roaming. Only turn it on when you want to connect for data.
- Reset the iPhone Usage Tracker to Zero by going to Settings>General>Usage>Reset. While you’re on the road, periodically check your data usage.
- The last tip is to wait for a week or two after returning home to deactivate your “Data Global Add-On” and “AT&T World Traveler” add-ons. While they are pro-rated monthly, international billing can take a week or more and you don’t want to be charged at the higher rate.