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For cash, use your ATM (autobank) card (usually a $1.50-$2.50 ATM fee). Make sure it is validated for international use -- check with your bank. ATM's are everywhere, including airports and train stations. Do not use your credit card for cash advances - you'll get charged interest immediately. Most ATM machines operate in several languages, including English. Italy now uses only Euros. The Swiss will continue to use Swiss Francs. The WWW has many currency converters, including http://www.xe.net/ucc/. Travelers Cheques are quickly becoming a thing of the past. Don't bother, except perhaps a few for emergencies. It's also a good idea to keep a photocopy of your passport and driver's license separate from the originals.
Tipping Tipping in Italian eating establishments, cafes, and bars is almost always included in the bill, either through a service charge (servizio), the cover charge (copra), or just factored into the cost of food and drink. Any extra amount is not expected nor required, though a small amount will be gladly accepted for special service. Taxi drivers do not normally get tipped, though porters will expect something. In Switzerland, the tipping custom for restaurants and taxis is typically to round up the bill a few Swiss Francs, i.e., 5% of the bill. For porters, one-two francs per bag is normal.
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