Euro banknotes on black background. (vaksmanvm101 (123RF))
These are some key services that are helpful to set up soon after you have arrived.
Getting an Italian account with an International Bank Account Number (IBAN) is necessary for paying bills and transferring money. It is also helpful for making purchases, getting cash and managing funds between dollars and euros. Note that The DoD will not deposit paychecks into Italian banks.
USING DEBIT CARDS IN EUROPE
Chip and Pin cards are the norm throughout Europe.
Smaller Italian businesses may not take credit cards.
Always carry euros when off-installation.
Some U.S. banks charge international transaction fees when using debit cards, so check with your bank.
ON-INSTALLATION BANKING
Global Credit Union | www.globalcu.org
Global Credit Union is one of the largest credit unions in the U.S. and offers members competitive rates and surcharge-free ATMs.
Located at Aviano, Camp Darby and Camp Ederle.
Community Bank | www.dodcommunitybank.com
Provides convenient and affordable banking services and financial information to help support service members, base organizations and mission readiness.
Located at Aviano, Camp Darby, Caserme Ederle and Caserme Del Din.
Call toll-free: 00-800-BANK-EASY (00-800-2265-3279) from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, except on holidays.
Banca Nazionale del Lavoro (BNL) | www.bnl.it
BNL is an Italian bank that offers U.S. military member services.
Located at Caserme Ederle
MOBILE BANKS
Online banks are a great tool to get local bills paid and often offer competitive exchange rates and low fees. They have international banking apps that allow you to create a European account with an IBAN so it is possible to pay rent or bills in euros.
Wise | www.wise.com
Wise safeguards customers’ funds to make sure they’re always available whenever they’re needed and offers simple to use web and app access to money.
N26 | www.n26.com
N26 is a 100 percent mobile, fully licensed bank, which provides the same level of security and regulations as traditional banks. Their European banking license protects your funds up to €100,000 by the German Deposit Protection Scheme.
Italian bill paying is different than in the U.S. There are three methods you can use.
Pay in cash.
Bring your bill and cash payment to a tobacco store (Tabaccheria) or bank teller. Expect a small fee.
Online bank transfer.
Set up a payee account with an IBAN number via your local Italian bank or European online bank.
Verify the euro amount and date for payment.
Include your account number (codice cliente) and bill number (numero Fattura).
Online via the billing company’s website.
This can be done with an Italian-issued credit card, or an IBAN
EXCHANGE RATES
Off-installation ATMs (bancomat) may have transaction fees, but usually have better exchange rates.
Check conversion rates before transferring large amounts between U.S. and euro accounts.
Your on-installation Legal Office can help with simple notaries and powers of attorney on a walk-in basis. Complex notary services and other legal advice is available by appointment.
Powers of Attorney are recommended for spouses so they may handle paperwork if the military sponsor is not available due to training or deployment.
Dependents wanting to work while overseas should discuss SOFA regulations with the legal office.
A tax center is available during the tax season.
Other legal services offered include wills, medical directives, Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) issues, estate planning, immigration, debt or credit problems, identity theft, divorce counseling and Italian legal issues.
