Currency rates fluctuate, so before departing consult a currency exchange website such as www.oanda.com/convert/classic to check up-to-the-minute rates.

You'll be glad to hear that Campania is still an affordable destination in Italy: The cost of living and traveling is lower then Tuscany or Milan, and quite a bit lower than some northern Europe destinations, such as London, Copenhagen, and Amsterdam.

ATMs (automated teller machines), or cashpoints, are common and present in all but the most remote localities in the region. The Cirrus (tel. 800/424-7787; www.mastercard.com) and PLUS (www.visa.com) networks are the most common. Go to your bank card's website to find ATM locations at your destination. Be sure you know your daily withdrawal limit before you depart. Note: Many banks impose a fee every time you use a card at another bank's ATM, and that fee can be higher for international transactions (up to $5 or more). In addition, the bank from which you withdraw cash may charge its own fee. For international withdrawal fees, ask your bank. Deutsche Bank and BNL (Banca Nazionale del Lavoro) are those that do not charge transaction fees at other Alliance member ATMs (these include Bank of America, Scotiabank, and Barclays).

Most ATMs accept four- and five-digit codes (six digits may not work), so if you have a six-digit code you'll want to go into your bank and get a new PIN for your trip.

Credit and debit cards in Italy have chips instead of a swiping magnetic band, but "swipe" cards are widely accepted and you should not have a problem with this. Do keep cash on hand, though, as many shops have a higher minimum than in the U.S. for credit card use (most often they will not accept credit or debit cards for amounts below 15€).

What Things Cost in Naples (in €)

A metro or city bus ride 1.10

Can of soda 2.00

Pay-phone call 0.20

Movie ticket 8.00

Caffè lungo (American-style espresso) 1.00

Ticket to the Museo Nazionale Capodimonte (including reservation) 9.00

Taxi from the airport 19.00

Moderate three-course dinner for one without alcohol 25.00

Moderate hotel room (double) 185.00

Liter of house wine in a restaurant 10.00

First-class letter to the United States (or any overseas country) 1.60

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.