Paying by visa

[Roselyn]

Hi Pilgrims, do the auberges accept payment by visa? Or are there a lot of ATMs along the path? Basically, I'm looking to not carry loads of cash, from Sahagun to Santiago. Is visa accepted?

 

[Kanga]

Very few albergues would have the facilities to accept payment by credit card. Cash is king. There are ATMs along the way but sometimes it can be a day or two between. I withdraw two hundred euros and replenish as needed - taking note of where I am likely to encounter the next ATM and how much I am likely to be spending.

 

[grayland]

There are a number of very good threads on the forum on ATM use.
Lots of excellent tips and instructions.

Credit cards have very little use on the actual Camino.

 

[SYates]

Cash only at albergues and small shops as a rule of thumb, but there are enough ATMs on the way. Buen Camino, SY

 

[Peter Fransiscus]

As stated, cash is normal done on the Camino. When you withdraw money take 200/300€ that's more than enough to have with you.
Wish you a wonderful journey and a Buen Camino, Peter.

 

[Buz Radican]

Hi Pilgrims, do the auberges accept payment by visa? Or are there a lot of ATMs along the path? Basically, I'm looking to not carry loads of cash, from Sahagun to Santiago. Is visa accepted?

I walked from Roncesvalles to SdC last May June and the only two places I could not use my debit card was at a municipal albergue and one operated by a group of nuns.

 

[SYates]

I walked from Roncesvalles to SdC last May June and the only two places I could not use my debit card was at a municipal albergue and one operated by a group of nuns.

Did you stay mostly in pensions ans hotels then? Buen Camino, SY

 

[november_moon]

I would definitely plan to pay for everything with cash. Just get money from ATMs along the way. There are some areas with very small towns/villages and you may not run across an ATM for a few days at a time, so always make sure to get more cash before you run low. My rule of thumb was to hit the ATM before I got down below 100 euro.

 

[Buz Radican]

Did you stay mostly in pensions ans hotels then? Buen Camino, SY

Primarily private albergues. Ones that come to mind include Tio Pepe, En El Camino, Viatoris, La Laguna, Don Quiote, Meeting Place, Camino Real.

 

[MTtoCamino]

I messed up & forgot to get cash a couple times both times I had enough for food or a place to sleep, the sleep part was always the winner. Within a day you will almost always find an ATM.

 

[dougfitz]

This year I found many more places that took a credit card than my previous walks. That doesn't mean that you could rely on using a card, but you might find it useful to extend the time between cash withdrawals by using a card when that option is available. My advice would still be to plan to use cash, and treat any time you can use a credit card as a bonus.

 

[grayland]

I would also be very careful of where I used a card.

 

[SYates]

I would also be very careful of where I used a card.

Me too, Buen Camino, SY

 

[dougfitz]

I would also be very careful of where I used a card.

I'm not suggesting that you forego your usual precautions when using a card, but pointing out that there are increased opportunities to use one, and by doing so, reduce the frequency of topping up your cash reserves.

 

[MTtoCamino]

Using plastic would be very convenient but in the few times I did, my bank account was tested 3 times in the 6 weeks walking. That was 2014 the hacking is probably even better now.

 

[MeliCunn]

Hello All!
I am fairly new to this forum and not too savvy at navigating the search feature. I leave the US on September 15th for my Camino and I am ready to go! I would however like any information I can get on using debit cards along the way. Could someone please post links to this information?
Thanks!!