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Getting Money

Del Falkowsky

New Member
Time of past OR future Camino
Camino Portuguese [August 2015]
I am leaving for Portugal in one week and I am wondering if anyone has used Canadian debit cards and if they had problems like finding a machine that takes the card. I am also taking a credit card but it would be easier to use a debit if possible.
 
The focus is on reducing the risk of failure through being well prepared. 2nd ed.
I can't help with specific Canada specific information but we have no trouble with Australian debit cards. I take a travel money card preloaded with Euros because that way I can lock in the exchange rate, but I've also used an ordinary debit card linked to my bank account. The only time I had a problem was when I had a 6 digit pin - the Spanish machines only take a 4 digit number. It was fine once I went online and changed it.
 
I am leaving for Portugal in one week and I am wondering if anyone has used Canadian debit cards and if they had problems like finding a machine that takes the card. I am also taking a credit card but it would be easier to use a debit if possible.
You'll be fine... In general. In a few occasions an ATM will not accept my card, I just move on to,the next one. Has happened in Santiago and a few other places, so don't leave it to,your last Euro before getting more cash out.
 
Ideal sleeping bag liner whether we want to add a thermal plus to our bag, or if we want to use it alone to sleep in shelters or hostels. Thanks to its mummy shape, it adapts perfectly to our body.

€46,-
A tip--
I am leaving for Portugal in one week and I am wondering if anyone has used Canadian debit cards and if they had problems like finding a machine that takes the card. I am also taking a credit card but it would be easier to use a debit if possible.

A tip-- I walked only from Porto onwards. Very rural areas and not many ATM's along the way, so make sure you have enough euros for several days between the larger cities.
 
..... wondering if anyone has used Canadian debit cards and if they had problems like finding a machine that takes the card. I am also taking a credit card but it would be easier to use a debit if possible.

Should be fine - be sure you have a 4 digit pin and be sure your pin does not start with a 'zero'. Check with your bank regarding charges ... RBC charges me $5 each time I use the debit card overseas. Needless to say, I carry it only for emergencies ..... !

If you have access to secure wifi while overseas, a trick I used in 2012 was to transfer funds online from my regular account to my credit card (same institution) and then went into a bank in Portugal and took a cash advance. No charges and no interest on the cash advance because the card was in a credit balance.
 
I can't help with specific Canada specific information but we have no trouble with Australian debit cards. I take a travel money card preloaded with Euros because that way I can lock in the exchange rate, but I've also used an ordinary debit card linked to my bank account. The only time I had a problem was when I had a 6 digit pin - the Spanish machines only take a 4 digit number. It was fine once I went online and changed it.
Kanga how do you go about getting a travel money card already loaded with Euros? I just picked up some Euros that I had ordered from my (Canadian), but the travel card sounds useful, especially for the exchange rate….thanks.
 
Technical backpack for day trips with backpack cover and internal compartment for the hydration bladder. Ideal daypack for excursions where we need a medium capacity backpack. The back with Air Flow System creates large air channels that will keep our back as cool as possible.

€83,-
Hi Maggie, our banks offer travel money cards. I'd assume your own bank would have a link to one. I just did a search and found this which might be useful!
http://travel.gc.ca/travelling/air/travelling-money
Hi Kanga, just pulled this up and have save the info in a doc. Will take it with me to my bank. Even though I'll be travelling with some Euros, great to have something like this. Thanks so much.
 
Get a spanish phone number with Airalo. eSim, so no physical SIM card. Easy to use app to add more funds if needed.
Should be fine - be sure you have a 4 digit pin and be sure your pin does not start with a 'zero'. Check with your bank regarding charges ... RBC charges me $5 each time I use the debit card overseas. Needless to say, I carry it only for emergencies ..... !

If you have access to secure wifi while overseas, a trick I used in 2012 was to transfer funds online from my regular account to my credit card (same institution) and then went into a bank in Portugal and took a cash advance. No charges and no interest on the cash advance because the card was in a credit balance.
Monique that sounds like a good idea. I guess I could also put funds into my credit card before I leave…..thanks.
 

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