ATM

After intense currency exchange studies I discovered that using your own ATM card (of course check with your banking institution before you leave as they may have fees) gives the best exchange rate.
I had never done such a thing overseas before and therefore would be exiting the Andrea comfort zone! I then read that most Italian ATMs had English option. This is a lie or I picked the wrong ATM. Crap!! However, I figured it out in Italian, it worked and end result I received Euros.
I am glad I did it instead of backing out and bringing all cash. I thought what's the worst that could happen? I don't have any money for the trip....oh well it all works out somehow in the end. Right?!
The rate per ATM was 1.31 Euro per US dollar. The cash rate has been 1,41 to 1.46 plus fee (ranging from 12 to 19%).