Sending money through the Post Office

 When I opened my Italian bank account, I put enough money in to pay about a years bills [I pay gas and electric by Direct Debits] and just top it up [with money from an ATM] whenever I'm over there   This may not be the cheapest way - but its easy and I know the cash is in the account.

You won't get a good exchange rate with the Post Office, that's how they make their money. (Commision free -my arse!)

lol thats true, exchange rate is rubbish now too & everything has gone up in Abruzzo' food shopping is dearer than UK,  I think its great idea,  alan h but I couldnt afford to to that you must be rich ! or am I just poor, well I was ok till bought a house in Italy, but its worth it.

"I think its great idea,  alan h but I couldn't afford to to that you must be rich !"  It doesn't need that much cash - if you do the maths, you need to cover the gas and electric used whilst at the house, if you allow say £70 for each winter week and £40 for each Summer one that you spend there, it isn't a lot that you have to top up each time you visit [but do allow a 'float, and for the iniquitous Italian bank charges]   I reckon to pay in no more than a couple of hundred every other visit - often less