My name is Margaret MacDermott and I'm a new member to the group. I'm from Brisbane, Australia and will be travelling to Italy in November (Venice and Florence)

I've been told in Australia that I should not get Travellers Cheques in Euros because they are proving difficult to cash. Is this true?

Also, I know the Euro is now the official currency in Italy - but is the lira still used as well?

Thanks for any advice you can give me

Margaret - Brisbane, Australia