Thursday, March 28, 2013

Cash Only At The Vatican

Currently, only cash is being accepted in Vatican City for entry tickets and purchases in its stores.

Because of banking laws relating to the European Union, member nation banks may only do business with member nations.

Since the Vatican is not a member of the European Union, the Bank of Italy, which had been handling credit card and ATM transactions, had to withdraw its services.

Update from me on July 10th -- when I learned about it -- that the Vatican is now accepting credit cards which are being processed through a Swiss company.

Details in the article below

http://money.cnn.com/2013/02/12/news/economy/vatican-payments/index.html 

Friday, March 15, 2013

Leave the Sneakers Home When Traveling to Europe

Don't want to look like a tourist?

Particularly in Europe, sneakers are worn only for sporting events. Crocs, white tennis shoes, and Birkestocks are especially looked down upon by the Italians and Spanish.

Instead, wear a comfortable pair of leather walking shoes when in any European city and keep them in good shape. Lace-up white tennis shoes will brand you as an American tourist -- and don't even consider wearing sneakers with Velcro straps.