Tuesday, June 13, 2017

Italian Banking - Part 3

martedi, 13 giugno 2017

Today I finally got the nerve to go back to the bank.  I had been trying to view my account on line but with no success.  There was even an English option on the website so I knew I wasn't missing anything.  There was no option to create an account and the user name and password I had received for my Bancomat card did not allow access to my account. 

I knew I had to go talk to the bank but getting up enough courage - not necessarily because I still am learning the language but I KNEW the line would be long..... and it was.

My plan was to get there early in hopes there would be no line.  HA!  Bad strategy.   I arrived at 9:26 - probably not early enough.  Oh well, when I arrived I was #9 in line.   There were 2 bankers working today - thankfully the gentleman that helped me before was there.  Now how do I ensure I get him and not the other person?????

There is a machine to take a number but it is broken - and has been broken from my first visit weeks ago.  So you must just remember where you are at in line.  At 9:45 I am still waiting and I almost walk out BUT I stuck to my guns and stayed in line.  I needed to get this task accomplished so waiting was required.  Finally at 9:55 it is my turn BUT I am in line to see the other banker - they alternate clients.  Darn!  Oh well, I sit down and begin to explain what I need and he says - Oh no, Internet banking you must see my colleague.  HAHA!  So I get to see my friend anyway.  I now have to wait again but I would be the next in line when he was free.  So about 10:00 I finally sit down with the banker and explain what I want.  Who knew there would be paperwork and a contract to sign to have internet banking.  

I will say Italian banking appears to be very secure BUT lots of red tape.  So I now have an online account.  Interesting difference from U.S. account.  I have a user name and password. But I also have a little fob that is a number generator.  When I access my account after entering the user name and password you then press the fob and it generates a number that you must then enter to actually gain access to our account.  His words to me - don't lose the fob.  No kidding.  He then advised me that I can also use an app on my mobile phone.  I declined and said - at this point let me just work with the online account while at home.  That would be a bit much at this point in time.  Baby steps!!

I had plans to go purchase my new phone plan today but after that adventure I decided to put that off to tomorrow - domain!!!

Also I did learn that if I post videos you must view them from the blog website - they are not available to view if you are reading the blog via email.   So for those that couldn't see the Oscar video of a few weeks ago - try going to the blog website directly and view the video. If you try it and it still does not work please let me know.  I want to post more videos but need to ensure they are viewable.

On to my next adventure.... Buona giornata!!

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