For those walking soon, some money hints!

[John Volz]

There have been a number of money related posts.  It might be well to
just do a little translation for those with little experience in
foreign travel.  There are many pesetas to the US$.  A recent
correspondent has mentioned 1600 pesetas for dinner and a place to
stay.  This is less than $10 US.  There are around 170 pesetas to the
dollar.  So that means 850p - 5 USD.  Northern Spain and the Camino
are bargains for Pilgrims.  Many restaurants offer a pilgrim menu
(multicourse meal) for from 600-1000 pesetas.

Most cities and many towns have multiple ATMs, if your card doesn't
work in one, try another, in Leon we tried three in the same block and
got money from the third one. NEVER, NEVER try the same one three
times, it might eat your card!  Get cash for a couple of days just in
case you hit a town with no ATM.  10,000 pestats from an ATM is less
than $60 US.

Traveler's checks are hard to cash and will cost a fee and probably a
bad exchange rate.  Banks have very strange opening hours and can be
very inconvenient.

Enjoy and may the wind be at your back.  give Santiago a hug for us.

John and Marty Volz
Santa Rosa CA
Bicycle Pilgrims '96 and '00