Bancomats in Italy - Look Before You Insert Your Card

In Montecatini Terme we came across an unfortunate traveler from the US who had lost his instant cash card in a Bancomat. He asked me if I could tell him what was written on the screen. It was Fuori Servizio, meaning out of service. His card had just slipped in when he tried to insert it and since it was Saturday afternoon, there would be nobody in the bank until Monday morning when his tour group would already be in another city.

Here are a few tips to remember when using the Italian Bancomat:

• Look at the screen before you insert your card. If it says something you don't understand, and especially if it says Fuori Servizio, don't insert your card.
• If possible, try to use the bancomat during bank hours, usually weekday mornings until 1 or 1:30 pm.
• Try to avoid using the bancomat on weekends.
• If using the bancomat out of banking hours, use one where you're spending the night so you can follow up with problems in the morning.
• Always have two or three different ATM cards in case there's a problem with one of them.
• If you're using instant cash cards, it's better to have several cards with smaller amounts rather than one card with a large amount.

Read more about Italian bancomats and getting cash in Using ATM cards in Italy. We have tips for protecting your cards and money from pickpockets in How to Safeguard Your Money.