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PhrasesAt the Post OfficeC'è uno sportello automatico qui?
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C'è uno sportello automatico qui?

Is there an ATM here?

Pronunciation

spor-TEL-lo au-to-MA-ti-co — stress on 'TEL' in sportello and 'MA' in automatico. The two words are spoken separately.

When to use it

Use this to ask for the ATM machine within the post office. Most Poste Italiane branches have a BancoPosta ATM that can also be used by other bank card holders (Visa/Mastercard).

What it means

'Sportello automatico' is the official Italian term for an ATM (also called 'bancomat' informally — the brand name that became generic). In post offices, the ATM is BancoPosta branded. It accepts standard international cards and is often located in the entrance area or adjacent lobby.

Variations

Dov'è il bancomat più vicino?

Where is the nearest ATM?

'Bancomat' (the brand) is used generically for all ATMs in Italy

Il bancomat accetta carte estere?

Does the ATM accept foreign cards?

Most Italian ATMs accept Visa and Mastercard

Il bancomat qui è sempre aperto?

Is the ATM here always open?

Post office ATMs are accessible even when the office is closed

Mini Dialogue

— C'è uno sportello automatico qui? — Sì, è all'ingresso a sinistra. — Accetta le carte di credito straniere? — Sì, Visa e Mastercard. — Grazie.

— Is there an ATM here? — Yes, it's at the entrance on the left. — Does it accept foreign credit cards? — Yes, Visa and Mastercard. — Thank you.

Cultural Note

The word 'Bancomat' in Italian has followed the same path as 'Hoover' in English — from brand name to generic term for all ATMs. The original Bancomat network was launched in Italy in 1983 by a consortium of banks. Today the POS/ATM infrastructure is managed by Nexi, but Italians continue to call all cash machines 'il bancomat'.