Using
ATMs in Ireland and Italy
We have noticed overseas that many ATMs limit the
amount of withdrawal to $200 Euro.
If
your bank limits your daily withdraw amount to $400 then the most you will be
able to withdraw (today’s rate) is $356 Euro if the bank allows over $200.Remember you won't get the option to choose checking or savings account - the money will always be withdrawn from your checking account.
Ireland:
Almost all ATMs in Ireland provide
credit card withdrawals for Visa and MasterCard credit cards and ATM cards with
the Cirrus(MasterCard) or Plus(Visa)
logo. Amex and Link cards are also accepted at some ATMs, including AIB
and Bank of Ireland (the two largest banks).
If your Debit card says MasterCard or Visa on the back you will be
fine.
ATMs are usually located outside bank
branches, but increasingly can be found in convenience stores, supermarkets,
petrol stations and even bars. In Ireland there are no additional
charges for using bank ATMs. Charges for using the ATM are dependent on the
Bank of the cardholder so check before you leave home. In general the best
rates can be found using your own ATM card, as long as your bank does not
charge ridiculous fees.
Banks in Ireland
do not charge to get money out of their ATMs. However, ATMs at stores, shops
and sightseeing venues might do so. Some of the smaller towns in Ireland don’t
have ATMs. You will need a 4-digit PIN to use an Irish ATM. The various banks
in Ireland have online ATM finders and some have apps you can download.
Italy:
Bancomat (pronounced
with long "a"s as "Bahn-ko-maht") is the name of the
automatic systems for collecting cash from your bank account in Italy and in
many European countries. In Italy, Bancomats/ATMs are clearly marked with a
blue sign, like a number 3 upside down (see the picture) and you will find them
outside banks. 
It is common in Italy to swipe your card to open a door that will give you access to the ATM.
If your ATM card is on the MasterCard/Cirrus or Visa/Plus networks (look for the name and symbol on the back of the card) then you won’t have a problem. The money will be withdrawn directly from your checking account, converted to euro - at a more favorable exchange rate than you would get changing cash - and dispensed. NOTE: Your bank will charge a currency conversion fee. Find out what this is ahead of time so you are not surprised.
Once you insert your card, you will be prompted to choose your language - English is almost always a choice. If it isn't you will find plenty of other ATMs where it is a choice. Standard Italian use 4 digit pins (no letters!). You are less likely to incur any trouble if you have your bank issue a 4-digit pin before you leave. If you are getting a pin for the first time – test it at your bank before going overseas.
ATMs withdrawals are the cheapest way to get local currency, but watch out for the per-transaction fee. Your bank is likely to have a fixed fee for each transaction, and in order to make the best use of your money it will be better to avoid small withdrawals. A maximum withdrawal limit of 250 EUR is imposed at most Italian Bancomats. Make sure your card can handle at least the equivalent of this amount in dollars (currently $284 US) , so that you are not forced to make multiple smaller withdrawals. We always try to withdraw the maximum amount until the last couple of days. I will let everyone know what that is at time of travel since the Euro against the dollar fluctuates daily.
If you have a chance, consider taking with you at least two cards from different banks. While we have been reported no specific problems connected to the use of ATMs in Italy, it is better to play it safe and have a backup card, in case the first one fails.
NOTE: Anytime someone wants to charge you in US dollars say no. Always have them charge you in the local currency – even at ATMs.
Good information:
https://transferwise.com/blog/2012-11/choose-local-currency-at-foreign-atm/
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