ItalyGreece2011

In the cities of Venice and Florence, you should observe public notices about conduct. For example, tickets and fines may be assessed against visitors for dropping litter or for sitting, eating, or drinking on steps and courtyards around the main churches and public buildings in Florence

The currency is the euro (EUR). Credit cards and traveller's cheques in euros or U.S. dollars are widely accepted. Canadian currency and traveller's cheques are not widely accepted worldwide. Carry only a minimum amount of cash. Automated banking machines (ABMs), known as “Bancomat” in Italy, are widely available.Canadians should be aware of ABM fraudulent electronic readout devices that are common in Italy. These devices are designed to capture the account information stored on the card’s magnetic strip through a card reader fixed over the legitimate reader. The customer’s PIN is recorded with a small video camera installed above the keypad. The devices may not keep the victim from performing normal transactions. The victim’s banking information is then sold or traded on-line. In order to prevent this type of fraud, Canadians should use ABMs located in well-lit public areas or inside a bank or business, cover the keypad with one hand when entering their PIN, avoid card readers with an irregular aspect, and look for any unauthorized transactions on their account statements.Check with your bank for information on automated banking machine (ABM) services outside Canada. You can also check the VISA ATM locator page or the MasterCard ATM locator page for the addresses of ABMs around the world. Verify with your financial institution whether your bank card can be used with ABMs abroad. Some countries use chip and/or personal identification number (PIN) technology for credit cards. Check with your bank to find out if your credit card will be accepted abroad. Credit cards and debit cards should be used with caution due to the potential for fraud and other criminal activity. ABMs should be used during business hours inside a bank, supermarket, or large commercial building. Leave copies of your card numbers with a family member in case of emergency.