Money matters

[Robert E. Spenger]

Further comments on ATM's:

Most of them provide service in several languages and one of the choices
is always English.

I had a scare a couple of times this year, when I was informed that the
ATM was unable to communicate with my bank (credit union actually) and
that I should contact my bank directly. Yesterday, I heard a news
announcement of possible ATM shutdowns over the Memorial Day weekend.
Then I realized that my failure to get cash from the Portuguese and
Spanish ATM's might have been the result of power failures in
California. I had backup resources for emergencies (cash and travelers'
checks), but I was reluctant to use  these, because of charges and poor
exchange rates. Fortunately, I never had to dip into the backup. I
waited a few hours, tried an ATM again, and got through O.K. Until I got
home and heard that news broadcast, I hadn't a clue as to what the
problem might be.

Ana Young wrote:

> Hi Maureen,
>
> All of the major banks and many smaller banks too have
> a "cajero automatico" where you use your ATM or credit
> card in the same way you use it at home. Make sure
> your PIN number is four digits, because no other
> number of digits will work.
>
> Try to get your money in the larger towns (when you
> first land, then in Pamplona, I believe Puente la
> Reina too, as well as Logrono, Burgos, Leon.) If I
> remember correctly also Melide, Palas de Rei and
> several other places will have a bank with a machine.
> I think the smallest amount I was able to get out at a
> time was 5,000 pesetas, but when you enter your pin it
> will have a list of amounts you can choose from. The
> directions are easy to folow even if you don't kjnowq
> Spanish.