accessing US cash on the pilgrimage?

[Pi Ware & Susan Kraker]

Question for anyone who's done the Camino:

How do you get $ in Spain from your U.S. bank account?
When I lived in Valencia in 1993, I simply put in my regular checking
ATM card in the bank ATM below my flat, and presto, the requested number
of pesetas popped out.  The equivalent amount in dollars (at the best
daily rate of exchange I ever saw!) was then subtracted from my U.S.
checking account.
It was very convenient not carrying months' worth of cash or traveller's
cheques.  And I never had to go to compare daily rates of exchange or
worry about fees (since the ATM was on the network of my ATM card (PLUS
& Interlink) )

Is this possible on the Road to Santiago?

What are people's experiences with traveller's cheques or ATM cards or
large amounts of cash?  How can we be safe?

Thanks!

Pi Ware & Susan Kraker
Honeymooning on the Camino in May