Choose your exchange method. Cash or traveler's checks may be exchanged at banks, post offices or exchange offices. However, traveler's checks have fallen out of favor in recent years because of high rates of forgery, so it is not a good idea to depend on them for all of your spending money. You will also not get the best exchange rate changing cash or traveler's checks for euros. The best way to change dollars into euros is to withdraw cash with your debit card from an ATM machine. Even if your bank charges a small fee, in general you will get a better rate through your local bank than you will through one of the exchange venues in Italy.
Exchange your dollars. If you are exchanging cash or traveler's checks, visit the a local bank, post office or exchange office. Take your passport with you. If you are withdrawing cash from an ATM machine, the best practice for security reasons is to use a machine at a bank location. Verify that your debit card is part of the Cirrus or Bancomat network. Insert your card. Just as in the United States, you will be prompted to choose your language once your card is inserted. Withdraw your cash just as you would at home.
Spend your euros. If you end up with some leftover cash, you can use it at the airport duty free shop or for your cab ride to the airport when you are ready to leave.
