JohnKennySang
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- Time of past OR future Camino
- Hmmm.... Can not I answer?
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Just a brief practical question. I will be on the Camino in the fall of 2017. I do not plan to carry too much cash on this trip. Should I be able to use my credit cards along the way? If not, how much of a minimum cash one should carry on a 4-5 trip?
Unless you use a bank like Charles Schwab that refunds all ATM fees.ATM fees will rip you off.
Knowing where the next ATM is (some have hours) is important to your budgeting... UltreyaGenerally the camino is a cash economy. Private tourist accommodations usually accept cards but at most albergues you pay in cash. ATMs are found in most of the major villages and towns. Never carry a lot of cash but always have some tucked away only for emergencies.
Whatever your budget and whichever card(s) you carry always have a stash of emergency cash. This stash might be very useful when an intense storm knocks all power out and no ATM works or during a long holiday weekend when the machines are 'milked dry'. As always it helps to be prepared!
See this earlier form thread for more info re ATMs along the CF way.
https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/threads/atms-on-camino-frances.46635/
We have Westpac Global Currency card fromJust a brief practical question. I will be on the Camino in the fall of 2017. I do not plan to carry too much cash on this trip. Should I be able to use my credit cards along the way? If not, how much of a minimum cash one should carry on a 4-5 trip?
Also bear in mind if you are going to Spain from the US you will be hit with the foreign transaction fees that really add up quickly.
Did you notify your banks before you left the US that you would be using your cards in Spain?My USA debit and credit cards would not work in Spain. My bank informed me that they are blocked in certain countries due to the risk of identity theft. I used a prepaid Travelex card to get cash every few days. Getting the leftover cash back from them after I returned home was a nightmare, but the next time I will ask them to send me a check.
Yes I did, thank goodness. If I had just blithely gone without checking, I could have been in a pickle. I tend to panic and lose any common sense when things get rough, so I tried to anticipate and troubleshoot before I left home.Did you notify your banks before you left the US that you would be using your cards in Spain?
Hi [U]Louis Lloyd[/U] I have the same type of card from South Africa and I used it successfully last year. We loaded the card with Euros back home and used it in the same way as a credit card without the currency conversion. It worked at all ATM's and any other pay points. The biggest benefit of these cards are that some banks in Spain can issue you with a replacement card if it get lost. If you loose your normal bank card you will have to get a replacement from your home bank which can put you at risk of running out of cash.We have Westpac Global Currency card from
Australia, cashed up with Euros. Has anyone had problems using this card in Spain & availability through Spanish ATM’s
Thanks for the thumbs up on the card. We are loading the card before leaving Australia.Hi [U]Louis Lloyd[/U] I have the same type of card from South Africa and I used it successfully last year. We loaded the card with Euros back home and used it in the same way as a credit card without the currency conversion. It worked at all ATM's and any other pay points. The biggest benefit of these cards are that some banks in Spain can issue you with a replacement card if it get lost. If you loose your normal bank card you will have to get a replacement from your home bank which can put you at risk of running out of cash.
As mentioned, "Cash is King," on the Camino and the amount carried depends entirely on the section being covered.Just a brief practical question. I will be on the Camino in the fall of 2017. I do not plan to carry too much cash on this trip. Should I be able to use my credit cards along the way? If not, how much of a minimum cash one should carry on a 4-5 trip?
Hi Louis....I am leaving Cape Town SA on 15th April. Which bank issues this global card you mention? I bank with Nedbank and had planned on cash in euros plus my debit card which I always use when travelling overseas. Any advice would be most welcomed. Thanks.Thanks for the thumbs up on the card. We are loading the card before leaving Australia.
Annie thanks. Yes it's a Visa card and use i in USA and all over Europe. Thanks!There is really no reason for a special card.
Just be sure your bank card is a VISA and use it.
Or get a separate account and card for your travel money. That way you can transfer cash in if you need it. The ATMs in Spain are like the ATMs everywhere. Put in the card, put in your 4 digit pin, get your cash. They're all along the Camino and easy to use.
We use Westpac in Australia. The card is a global cash card which isn’t a specific Westpac card however they are promoted by them. Not sure it’s the best way however that’s what we have done.Hi Louis....I am leaving Cape Town SA on 15th April. Which bank issues this global card you mention? I bank with Nedbank and had planned on cash in euros plus my debit card which I always use when travelling overseas. Any advice would be most welcomed. Thanks.
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