how frustrating from a logistical stand point
how disappointing from a human trust stand point
how worrisome from a financial security point
Too late or unnecessary for you, but I carried a type a visa credit/ debit card that my bank offered- the foreign exchange fees were better and I would load it with a set amount of money so if stolen, they could ONLY get that $300 or so in it
I made transfers from another account into this card as needed
N
I agree with you, vis the disappointment. However, one should be using all the cautionary efforts I mentioned previously, even when at home. Using the same proactive, protective methods 24 x 7, globally, means you do not have to modify how you do things when traveling. That change in procedure is what usually trips folks up. Do it the same ALL THE TIME, and there is no change.
Here in South Florida, we have EVERY scam known to man. From panhandling, to card skimmers at gas stations, to hotel and restaurant staff skimming cards using electronic devices, or just copying the card information manually. Much of this crime is focused towards removing cash and assets from senior citizens.
This is not new. It has been that way, like forever. Gamblers migrate to Las Vegas. Scam artists come to South Florida. Unfortunately, it is part of the culture. As soon as you move here, you either quickly observe, learn, assess, adapt, and overcome, or you become prey... a victim...
Then, there is the torrent of scam phone calls targeted towards trusting elderly folks. While I am 66, I am far from stupid. The last bit of my professional career was spent in the intelligence community.
Knowing how to mount an effective counter to these scam attempts, I use call blocking software and the US national Do Not Call List to eliminate all calls, except for the odd political call during election seasons. They and charities are still allowed to call. So I use Caller ID to avoid answering any call I do not recognize. It's a wonderful invention when used properly...
Personally, I have had a credit card hijacked once, in a US national chain hotel when I came to Florida in 2015, looking for a home before we moved. At that time, the front desk person at the hotel said the "...computer was down, could they hold my card and return it later..." I STUPIDLY acceded to this request.
Within 48-hours, my credit card issuer was calling me to check I made all the crazy charges. I did not, cancelled the card, and reported this to the hotel chain's national security director. No harm done. I avoided having to pay anything. But it WAS inconvenient. Fortunately, I had a second credit card available to use.
This same thing happened several years earlier when I was vacationing at the seashore in Deauville, France. A restaurant worker skimmed my card when he left the table to return with the dining receipt for me to sign.
That raises a point for the Camino in particular.
ALWAYS HAVE A PLAN B.
I have two funding streams, without having to resort to external intervention by friends or family. My default spending method is cash, using my EU bank debit card. I have a non-resident current account in a European country.
Several weeks before I travel to Spain or Europe, I move funds into that account. I place the amount I will need, based on my daily average spend, plus 10 percent. Over the years, I found that using ZOOM / Paypal works best for me, minimizing fees, while obtaining a good exchange rate (USD --> EU).
My second funding stream is my US-based bank account. I carry that debit card for backup use. If my Euro debit card is compromised in any way, I resort to using the US-based card. However, this is nominally more expensive. Also, in the event of a serious internet outage, I would not have access to US-based bank to access funds.
For those of you paying attention to current events. These large scale outages are happening as national level actors learn where the transcontinental cables are laid in the oceans and how to sever them. This may be a strategic game of chicken for countries, But to the rest of us, it is just damned inconvenient.
For me, and based on what I know professionally, having two separate pots of funds, one EU-based and one US-based makes sense, for a lot of reasons, all valid...
Similarly, I have two credit cards. One is used for lodging and travel expenses, but only in a chain business hotel or in the biggest cities. I still never allow it out of my sight and control. The second card is hidden away and used as a reserve, just-in-case. When out on Camino, I ALWAYS use cash, never plastic. I top off my in-pocket cash (Euros) every 4-5 days at a BANK mounted ATM.
It goes without saying that these cards and funding options are kept in separate locations. So, in the unlikely event of a strong-arm robbery, I would lose only one funding stream. I can freeze this source, and cancel cards with one phone call.
I no longer allow a debit or credit card out of my sight and direct control. I pay for all restaurant meals in cash. I do this even at home, in the US. Once this becomes your habit, you stick to it.
When I do use a point-of-purchase card scanner, I make sure I control the process. No one sees me enter my PIN.
In the case of gas-pump mounted card scanners, I always check to ensure nothing is adhered to the front of the scanner housing. Someone mentioned this above, but it bears repeating.
Also, there are card skimmers that plug in to the card payment system on the inside of the gas pump housing. But this involves an inside operator, someone working at the station. There is no effective way to guard against this except to pay attention and get a receipt. Verify the exact amount on the recipe against your bank account.
Living in a location where scams, especially against older folks are endemic and an art form, helps keeps my street senses heightened to threats. I tank these honed senses and skills with me when I travel - anywhere.
FYI, I leave for my summer month, working at the Pilgrim Office in FIVE DAYS... Yippee!
Hope this helps someone avoid problems.