Money

Rome is the #2 city in Europe known for petty theft and pick-pocketing.  Below are tips to help you save (and keep) the most money while experiencing the most and worrying the least.  

• DIVERSIFICATION
• Keep the money that you take with you in two different places.  Some people put a bill in their shoe and some coins in their pocket and a normal amount of money in their wallets.
• GUYS:  put your wallet in your front pocket or somewhere more visible to you.  My friend's wallet was stolen right out of his jeans because it was in his back pocket in broad daylight.  He felt something missing right away and accused the guy behind him. He admitted to doing it and gave it back. But 50% of the time, you won't recognize that its gone when someone ELSE is distracting you.  If you catch them doing it, don't get violent.  Violence-related crimes are not as prevalent as they are here.  They aren't looking to hurt you; just to get some extra cash.  
• You don't need all of your money with you at all times.  Take what you think you'll use on food, drinks, souvenirs, and possibly entrance fees to attractions during free time and leave the rest somewhere safe in the hotel.  
• Shops will try to rip you off with your change if you haven't been a respectful customer (especially in areas that do not speak your native language or speak really fast).
• TRAVELERS CHECKS
• These are very uncommon anymore and not widely accepted. This is not recommended.
• EXCHANGE
• Both Ireland and Italy use the Euro.  Exchange rates fluctuate constantly but as of right now, the EUR equals $1.30, or you will get €0.77 for $1.00 As you can see, the exchange rate is not excellent, therefore negotiating prices at more local shops and especially markets is doable.  Learning to negotiate prices like this is a great skill to have.  This will be a learning experience for you!
• LOCAL BANKS
• It is suggested that you exchange your money to EUR in the US only in the amount that is needed for travel, transportation, food, and other purchases made just after arriving.
• Exchanging here is convenient and relatively low-cost.
• Always check current exchange rates before going and exchanging.
• EXCHANGE AT HOTEL OR AIRPORT
• There are usually exchange banks in airports, however the exchange rate is usually very inflated.  Also, you can't always count on hotels to even have currency.  This is usually recommended a last resort if no ATM is available either.  

• CASH
• Always have it with you.  
• Coins are worth a lot more than our change.  If you lose a 2 EUR coin, that's a whole bottle of water.  Also, if you all you have are bills, places may not have proper change for you.  Coins are important, use them!  Very common for bars and small snack stands.
• It is your best bet to withdraw USD here (ATM charge free) and exchange, or withdraw there at any ATM, receive EUR, but pay a fee from our bank and that bank that owns that ATM.
• If you're withdrawing €200 that is not the same as $200.  Do the math before hand if you choose to withdraw in Ireland or Italy.  Take into consideration the fees, and the exchange rate.
• CALL BANKS AND CREDIT CARD COMPANIES
• If you're planning to use plastic (which some of you may choose not to at all) call the number on the back of your card, tell them the countries that you will be visiting and the dates (May 5 - May 13).  Other wise, if they notice a charge from a different country, that is a red flag to them and they will freeze your card, and if used at an ATM it will be rejected, eaten, and chewed up.
• Bringing plastic is recommended.  At least one card for emergencies is a good idea.  Solely relying on cash is a very risky and dangerous choice.  You may say "I'm only there 8 days, what could happen?  I've gone 8 days here with just cash."  It is highly recommended by many professional world travelers and vacationers with the travel-bug to always have at least one card with you.
• COMMON CREDIT CARD COMPANIES
• Visa and MasterCard are the most common.  If you have a Discover card or American Express, their entrances into Europe have had a slow starts and are not common.  On the phone, ask if it is taken there and its acceptance in Ireland and Italy while updating your traveling information.  
• Beware with using them frequently, foreign transaction fees are either a certain percentage of your purchase or a flat rate - they vary from company to company. If you have to use it, use it sparingly, on one large purchase, or not at all (and of course emergencies).
• THE AMOUNT YOU RETURN WITH
• If you are looking to convert your EUR back into USD when you return, be sure that you have a substantial amount left.  Each place is different.  Very small amounts are non-excahngeable. Either spend as much as you have on you and come back with change left, or use it carefully and exchange once again.  
• Re-exchanging is not recommended but for those people not planning to return and use the euro again but have a lot of cash left, it is beneficial.  
• UNATTENDED ITEMS
• Just as you would anywhere, do not leave your jacket or purse anywhere unattended.  Do not leave it in a booth or at a table when you want to dance, go to the bathroom, get another drink.  In the smallest amount of time, someone could have been eyeing you with it and the moment you leave it, they move it.  A friend of mine had her entire purse stolen while she went to the bathroom and had to replace credit cars, a camera with pictures, a local phone, an iPhone, any many other valuables. Although its a hassle to hang on to it while you go everywhere, it is more of a hassle to replace everything.

Bring information or know how to contact your bank should something happen and you need assistance.