Studying In Italy Next Summer (credit card, college, to live in)

[schmidt486]

I'll be in Italy, Lecce to be specific, next summer (July-August). Has anyone ever been and can explain a little about how it is there... scenery? weather? nightlife?

Anything is appreciated.

[minniemouse]

Hi!
I'm Italian but I have never been to Lecce.
In Italy, July and August, are warm months.

here some links:

http://www.pugliaturismo.com/Inglese/default.asp

Puglia Tourist Information | Italy Heaven

Have a great time in Italy!

[bluepacific]

Originally Posted by schmidt486

I'll be in Italy, Lecce to be specific, next summer (July-August). Has anyone ever been and can explain a little about how it is there... scenery? weather? nightlife?

Anything is appreciated.

It's a beautiful country if you enjoy a Mediterrean climate. Most folks everywhere seemed to be very friendly when I visited. Mind you, this was back in the late 1970s. They still had the Lira and things were very inexpensive.

Unfortunately they have taken on the Euro and the inflation has gone through the roof like other EU countires who took the Euro route. So count on things being a bit expensive now.

Much of the scenery as far as countryside is beautiful Chapparal with Granite mountains. I believe this is also a college town , so a lot of casual and informal nightlife with outdoor venues.

Hope you have a good time.

[Simple Living]

My best advice about moving to Italy is this:

1) Don't take your culture, laws, rights and privileges with you. That's what makes a bad tourist. If you're going to live in Italy, live in Italy!

2) Don't bring much cash with you. Just bring what you need to get you through a day or two. Use ATM machines when you need cash. You'll get the best exchange rate through them and it'll be safe. Before you leave, let your bank know that you'll be in Italy for however long and ask them to please not charge non-bank ATM fees while you're there. (I used to work in a bank and did this for people.) Also, don't bring traveler's checks. They're a waste of time and a pain in the bottom to use.

3) Have a fantastic time! I'm excited for you!

[schmidt486]

Is this a routine practice for banks to do?

i use National City and they don't charge fees... but the ATMs sometimes do.

[Simple Living]

Originally Posted by schmidt486

Is this a routine practice for banks to do?

i use National City and they don't charge fees... but the ATMs sometimes do.

Most of the banks I've known, and worked at, are very accommodating in this area. It's not your fault they don't have ATMs in foreign countries and they recognize that. It's a goodwill gesture on their part. Since you'll be coming back to the states and keeping your account, they're usually happy to help you out. You just have to find an ATM that has one of the symbols on the back of your card, and I've never been somewhere and had trouble finding one. I've been to Italy and did this myself.

[michael krotchie]

Most banks have a foreign transaction fee that applies to credit card purchase, ATM withdrawals, or both.

Check out this chart for more info. I was over in Germany just a few months ago and saved a few bucks by using the right card!