ATMs & Getting Cash
Essential phrases for finding an ATM, withdrawing cash, and getting help if the machine eats your card.
Key Phrases
Sai dov'è un bancomat?
casualDo you know where an ATM is?
Use this with people your own age or younger on the street.
Scusi, dov'è un bancomat?
politeExcuse me, where is an ATM?
The standard polite way to ask strangers. 'Bancomat' is the everyday word for ATM in Italy.
Devo prendere dei contanti.
casualI need to get some cash.
Using 'prendere' (to take/get) is a very common informal alternative to 'prelevare'.
Devo prelevare dei soldi.
neutralI need to withdraw some money.
C'è una commissione per prelevare?
neutralIs there a withdrawal fee?
Il bancomat ha preso la mia carta!
casualThe ATM took my card!
Scusi, il bancomat ha tenuto la mia carta.
politeExcuse me, the ATM kept my card.
Useful to say to bank staff if the machine swallows your card.
La mia carta non funziona.
neutralMy card isn't working.
Qual è il tasso di cambio?
neutralWhat is the exchange rate?
Avete banconote più piccole?
neutralDo you have smaller bills?
ATMs often give large notes, so you may need to go inside and ask for change.