- Time of past OR future Camino
- June: Camino Frances from Pamplona
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Whilst card payments (almost always now ‘contactless’) are becoming ubiquitous -especially in towns and cities - it’s unlikely that anyone will refuse cash, and smaller rural establishments may prefer it.I was wondering if I should exchange some US$ for Euros before I leave the US. I know I can get cash from ATM’s, but would I be wise to start off with, say, a couple of hundred Euros in cash, like for when I first arrive for busses, taxis, etc. Do taxis take credit cards, BTW?
I was wondering if I should exchange some US$ for Euros before I leave the US. I know I can get cash from ATM’s, but would I be wise to start off with, say, a couple of hundred Euros in cash, like for when I first arrive for busses, taxis, etc. Do taxis take credit cards, BTW?
I was wondering if I should exchange some US$ for Euros before I leave the US. I know I can get cash from ATM’s, but would I be wise to start off with, say, a couple of hundred Euros in cash, like for when I first arrive for busses, taxis, etc. Do taxis take credit cards, BTW?
Yes there is a lack of USD in Zimbabwe right now! In fact there is a black market of dealers buying worn and used USD at discounted rates off citizens who don’t like putting money in banks. I had to carry USD 2,500 to Kenya once to pay for a trip (paying by card attracted a 10% surcharge). It was quite nerve wracking sleeping with that amount of money under my pillow!With regards to traveling with cash, I had a recent incident at the Frankfurt airport that scared me for a few minutes. I was on my way to Zimbabwe, and I had placed a total five hundred one-dollar bills in my carryon case. I was taking a bunch of ones with me because there is a shortage of one-dollar bills in Zimbabwe and my friend who owns a business there asked me to bring him some ones. Anyway, I am going through security at Frankfurt, and the dude scanning my bag flips out. He immediately radios for additional officers.
"What's the problem?" I asked.
"You did not declare all the cash you have in your luggage."
"I only have to declare anything over $10,000, right?"
"Yes, but our scan shows you have more money than that with you. Our sensors can see a huge brick of money."
"Relax. It is just one-dollar bills."
The officer rolled his eyes and waited for the dudes with automatic weapons to show up.
Once I was surrounded, my bag was opened only to find a brick of one-dollar bills. I thought that would be the end of it, but it was not. The officers got really mad at me because they thought I was trying to punk them. And they refused to accept my explanation. But eventually they settled down and I was allowed to leave for my gate.
Sorry to hear you got hacked! I have had it too and now I do a few things to lessen the risk. Yes I am paranoid but that doesn’t mean people aren’t out to get me.I would just go to an ATM when you arrive and take out some cash. We always bring a few euros home now for our next trip. We only use cards in hotels, for bus tickets, or more expensive meals--almost never in albergues. Cash is also appreciated by cab drivers. My credit card was hacked in Spain last year so I use it sparingly and always have a backup card on another account with me, too.
Edit:FYI, it is a total pain to have your card hacked while traveling.
Very useful post, thanks. It prompted me to take a look at the apps associated with my cards and I find that I can go that also.Sorry to hear you got hacked! I have had it too and now I do a few things to lessen the risk. Yes I am paranoid but that doesn’t mean people aren’t out to get me.
I only use one card to withdraw money,
or pay for something, and straight after, transfer whatever is left on that card to another account so if someone tries to withdraw there is zero balance to draw from.
Also find out when your bank day starts and finishes. Mine is 0300 local time. So hackers will withdraw to max balance at 0259 and then 0301. Good info to know.
My banking app lets me do the foll. 3 things.
1. Freeze my card. After a withdrawal I can freeze the card so it cannot be used till I unfeeze it.
2. I can limit the contactless to any value £0 to £100
3. I can limit the number of transactions that I can use contactless on, until a PIN is requested.
Not fool proof of course but it gives me a little peace of mind.
Sure yes understood! Sounds like you have a sensible way of working. Sorry if all got painful when you got hacked!I only use my bank debit card for money withdrawals. I use a credit card for things like hotels, airlines, etc and that was what got hacked. There are more protections on our credit card against theft than our bank debit card. Still it is a pain if you have any regular automatic payments, upcoming reservations, etc. and your card gets cancelled on a long trip away from home. We use the credit cards to get "points" and cash back credits so we can upgrade future flights or get free hotel nights. Most of my hotel nights in big cities in Spain are covered by points as a result.
I had mine hacked while in the US of A, credit card used to purchase tickets from London Heathrow…and I could prove that it was an error on my part, because at that time, was in a plane between Seattle and Miami.I would just go to an ATM when you arrive and take out some cash. We always bring a few euros home now for our next trip. We only use cards in hotels, for bus tickets, or more expensive meals--almost never in albergues. Cash is also appreciated by cab drivers. My credit card was hacked in Spain last year so I use it sparingly and always have a backup card on another account with me, too.
Edit:FYI, it is a total pain to have your card hacked while traveling.
Thanks! That's great advice and just the disaster I was thinking could possibly happen.Bring some euros with you.
In 2014, I landed in Madrid sans either dollars or local currency against my better judgement.
This was my fourth time heading to camino and first time arriving sans local currency.
Ergo, I went straight to airport ATM nothing. Tried another no go. I called bank using their international line. There’d been a mix-up. Bank said they’d release funds within 24 hours. I explained I was in Madrid, 10 o’clock at night with no money. They released funds right then.
Never again will I be so foolish.
A few euros in hand can save time, money, and frustration.
It is my practice to look for exchange sources both here at home as well as around my destination. My monetary strategy is then formed based on the results. If ATM fees are acceptable, then use that. Otherwise, and especially if I can find a very good rate, a larger amount will be changed.I was wondering if I should exchange some US$ for Euros before I leave the US. I know I can get cash from ATM’s, but would I be wise to start off with, say, a couple of hundred Euros in cash, like for when I first arrive for busses, taxis, etc. Do taxis take credit cards, BTW?
I think that’s a wise decision. The fees are a bit higher if you buy the euros now in the US, but it will save you the hassle of trying to find an ATM when you get there when you’re jetlagged and tired. I always get at least €300 before I leave.I was wondering if I should exchange some US$ for Euros before I leave the US. I know I can get cash from ATM’s, but would I be wise to start off with, say, a couple of hundred Euros in cash, like for when I first arrive for busses, taxis, etc. Do taxis take credit cards, BTW?
Years ago, it used to be so easy to exchange US dollars for various European currencies…not the case today. I recently had a California relative visit here. We went to a large bank locally and the hassle that they gave her was unimaginable. She wanted to purchase some gifts before leaving to return stateside..and I offered to exchange euros for dollars. Now, I am stuck with the dollars…I think that’s a wise decision. The fees are a bit higher if you buy the euros now in the US, but it will save you the hassle of trying to find an ATM when you get there when you’re jetlagged and tired. I always get at least €300 before I leave.
Not so long ago there was a thread where someone asked what denominations of US dollar bills they should bring to spend in albergues and bars along the Camino. They had read/heard/imagined that it was simpler and quite acceptable to pay for stuff in US currency rather than exchange their $$$ for euros. If only life were that easy...Years ago, it used to be so easy to exchange US dollars for various European currencies…not the case today.
I refuse to use my phone to pay for anything..I detest direct debit.I brought a few hundred Euros with me and then picked up more as needed from ATMs. The cash was useful for my morning coffee and juice or for small purchases and I used my credit card for almost all accommodations. I could have used my phone to tap to pay but I'm not cool enough for that
What??What of opening a bank account upon arrival? Use it while in country and close it before returning home? Cost of opening is zero. Cost of debit withdrawls may or may not carry a fee. Choose a bank based on zero fees, if possible.
This needs to be emphasised (it applies to everyone - not just U.S.). If you select your home currency then the currency conversion will be done by the local bank at a disadvantageous exchange rate. By choosing to pay in the local currency then your own bank will do the currency conversion.Also, when using a card from the U.S., please note that sometimes the ATM or the hotel or restaurant's machine asks if you wish to pay in euros or dollars... Always select euros!
I have had a bank account in Portugal. It requires getting a Portuguese tax id number, but nothing about residency (at least not when I opened it in 2004). It also triggers reporting requirements for US income tax purposes. I don’t think that the typical tourist or pilgrim will find it advantageous. I closed the account last year, and there is a real disadvantage in not being able to do electronic bank transfers easily anymore, but oh well.What??
I don't think that this would be easily accomplished by a foreigner briefly visiting the country. And how would you fund the account?
This needs to be emphasised (it applies to everyone - not just U.S.). If you select your home currency then the currency conversion will be done by the local bank at a disadvantageous exchange rate. By choosing to pay in the local currency then your own bank will do the currency conversion.
I've had a hotel receptionist push the button for my home currency without asking me!And if you are interested in helping to educate people on the ground — I tell the employee/operator using the CC machine that it is always more advantageous for their customers to use the currency of the place where the purchase is made. Frequently, the employee had no idea, and is happy to now have the knowledge to help others. I have heard many times that the employee didn’t know what to say when asked about this, or that he/she had assumed that it would be cheaper if the charge were processed in the customer’s currency. The company using the machine gets no additional benefit or cash-back if the customer asks for the purchase to be completed in euros, so they really have no reason not to help out.
Do you have personal experience doing this? Or can you point to a reliable up-to-date guide on how to do it for an account with no start-up and maintenance fees? All that I can find on the subject suggests that it is a lengthy and complicated process for a non-resident to obtain a Spanish bank account. I cannot see that any likely saving on ATM exchange fees would be large enough to justify the time and effort involved in the process.What of opening a bank account upon arrival? Use it while in country and close it before returning home? Cost of opening is zero. Cost of debit withdrawls may or may not carry a fee. Choose a bank based on zero fees, if possible.
I always take a few Euros with me. While I have never tested it, I understand that ATMs in the airport charge more. I always wait until I get into a town and then I draw the max allowed.
Another thing is to only use ATMs connected to a bank and in the wall of the bank. That is do not use the free standing ATM in a plaza. Lastly, Only use that ATM when the bank is open, just in case something goes wrong.
Edit. I always arrive in any country with plenty of local currency too make for an easeful transition. In Spain probably €300.
Buen Camino Bob
That suggestion is something that you might expect to hear from a clueless, kookie financial advisor like Suze Orman.What of opening a bank account upon arrival? Use it while in country and close it before returning home? Cost of opening is zero. Cost of debit withdrawls may or may not carry a fee. Choose a bank based on zero fees, if possible.
I did try and read thru the responses, but there are many. Do not the banks charge a hefty fee on the exchange rate each time you withdraw from a foreign atm? Somewhere in the neighbourhood of the going bank exchange rate +5%?I was wondering if I should exchange some US$ for Euros before I leave the US. I know I can get cash from ATM’s, but would I be wise to start off with, say, a couple of hundred Euros in cash, like for when I first arrive for busses, taxis, etc. Do taxis take credit cards, BTW?
Thanks for asking , I was wondering too.I did try and read thru the responses, but there are many. Do not the banks charge a hefty fee on the exchange rate each time you withdraw from a foreign atm? Somewhere in the neighbourhood of the going bank exchange rate +5%?
Ditto last year. Unicaja seems to be the only one that doesn't sting you a few euros every time you make a withdrawl.For all of you lucky people about to arrive in Spain and considering using a debit card to obtain cash could I give this info.
Nearly all ATM's linked to the major Banks in Spain make a charge to provide this service.
The only one I found last year were the ATM's connected to the UNICAJA Bank.
Sure, they use convoluted language to get you to convert via the 'wrong' currency, ie your own foreign currency but, other than that there are no charges. (Unless things have changed since winter 2021/22.)
Ditto last year. Unicaja seems to be the only one that doesn't sting you a few euros every time you make a withdrawl.
It is that easy in México to pay in $, but not in Europe where the € reigns supreme. I go to one particular currency exchange place when in Paris and have gotten very competitive rates for my $; what about the “casas de cambio” in Spain? I assume (which can be dangerous, I know) they have them there, right?Not so long ago there was a thread where someone asked what denominations of US dollar bills they should bring to spend in albergues and bars along the Camino. They had read/heard/imagined that it was simpler and quite acceptable to pay for stuff in US currency rather than exchange their $$$ for euros. If only life were that easy...
Simple answer: yes. 200 should do it. Then you are not dependent on ATMs being open/accessible/working when you arrive. How you pay for stuff after that is a different question with a lot of complex answers.I was wondering if I should exchange some US$ for Euros before I leave the US. I know I can get cash from ATM’s, but would I be wise to start off with, say, a couple of hundred Euros in cash, like for when I first arrive for busses, taxis, etc. Do taxis take credit cards, BTW?
You will not find them in most Spanish towns these days. Even in larger cities they are hard to find outside of the airports. Banks are rarely willing to change foreign currency - even for their own customers. People expecting to pay for their journey with foreign currency brought as banknotes have often struggled to exchange it for euros.what about the “casas de cambio” in Spain? I assume (which can be dangerous, I know) they have them there, right?
The new online financial institutions like Wise all allow very simple and cheap bank transfers. In addition once I convert some money to the local currency (E.G. US dollars, GB pounds) then I also get a virtual bank account in those countries that I can quote to anyone who wants to pay me and that allows for local bank transfer transactions rather than international bank transfers. With Euros I get a local, virtual, bank account in Brussels.there is a real disadvantage in not being able to do electronic bank transfers easily anymore, but oh well
This is not a case of one size fits all. You are correct that there are some bankcard providers from the US (and I would assume other countries) who charge their customers high exchange rates and don't cooperate with the foreign bank where you withdraw your money and thus you get hit with a double whammy of a lousy exchange rate and large transaction fee some times at the machine as well as from your own bank. I found this to be true with Fifth Third Bank a number of years ago. I have never used the Schwab card but everyone who does swears by its fairness doing foreign transactions. What you want is an exchange rate based on the exchange rate at the time of the transaction and a transaction fee of zero to 2 euros at the most. The thing to do is ask someone at your bank what their procedure is and if you get a "dunno" cross eyed response I would suggest finding another bank that deals regularly with foreign travelers. I have lived in France and now live in Portugal, I have debit cards with my local banks and not a single ATM has ever charged me a transaction fee in over 10 years.I did try and read thru the responses, but there are many. Do not the banks charge a hefty fee on the exchange rate each time you withdraw from a foreign atm? Somewhere in the neighbourhood of the going bank exchange rate +5%?
Hi @barryg! This must be your second or third Camino, judging by your earlier posts. You may have forgotten it but the net doesn't forgetI was wondering if I should exchange some US$ for Euros before I leave the US. I know I can get cash from ATM’s, but would I be wise to start off with, say, a couple of hundred Euros in cash, like for when I first arrive for busses, taxis, etc.
That suggestion is something that you might expect to hear from a clueless, kookie financial advisor like Suze Orman.
I have accounts in 2 European countries and trust me there is no free lunch once you open an account here, if you can actually provide them with enough details to do so. Forget it!
What a customer pays in the end for ATM withdrawal depends on various factors, including one's own bank and the ATM's bank. When currency conversion is involved, other fees may or will be added. Credit card withdrawal at an ATM is associated with higher fees than Debit card withdrawal. Margins on the basis of official exchange rates (which one? today's? in two days' time? ECB's?) may not even be visible to the consumer.I used Deutsche Bank to withdraw Euros in Spain for no fee but they are mainly in major cities. Lots of regional banks don’t seem to charge fees.
Yes indeed. That's why I, too, think that is not particularly wise when posters make suggestions without having any practical experience with banking in Spain or Portugal.I don't know if you have had any experience with collecting a debit/credit card where you live but both in France and Portugal it requires applying for the card in person, waiting several weeks for the card to show up at your bank and then you must go to the branch to pick it up. Rather cumbersome don't you think if you are not doing anything more than tourist related things.
A crack dealer size wad of US cash? That sounds like an example of working really hard to not travel snag free.With regards to traveling with cash, I had a recent incident at the Frankfurt airport that scared me for a few minutes. I was on my way to Zimbabwe, and I had placed a total five hundred one-dollar bills in my carryon case. I was taking a bunch of ones with me because there is a shortage of one-dollar bills in Zimbabwe and my friend who owns a business there asked me to bring him some ones. Anyway, I am going through security at Frankfurt, and the dude scanning my bag flips out. He immediately radios for additional officers.
"What's the problem?" I asked.
"You did not declare all the cash you have in your luggage."
"I only have to declare anything over $10,000, right?"
"Yes, but our scan shows you have more money than that with you. Our sensors can see a huge brick of money."
"Relax. It is just one-dollar bills."
The officer rolled his eyes and waited for the dudes with automatic weapons to show up.
Once I was surrounded, my bag was opened only to find a brick of one-dollar bills. I thought that would be the end of it, but it was not. The officers got really mad at me because they thought I was trying to punk them. And they refused to accept my explanation. But eventually they settled down and I was allowed to leave for my gate.
In European countries, AFAIK, you will need a National Security ID, obtained from local authorities, in order to open a local bank account. Forget that hassle.What of opening a bank account upon arrival? Use it while in country and close it before returning home? Cost of opening is zero. Cost of debit withdrawls may or may not carry a fee. Choose a bank based on zero fees, if possible.
(A slight digression)I have had a bank account in Portugal. It requires getting a Portuguese tax id number, but nothing about residency (at least not when I opened it in 2004). It also triggers reporting requirements for US income tax purposes. I don’t think that the typical tourist or pilgrim will find it advantageous. I closed the account last year, and there is a real disadvantage in not being able to do electronic bank transfers easily anymore, but oh well.
I do, but I watch the rates also. And it’s been my experience that you don’t always get the best exchange rate at home, but then again, it can vary once you get to your destination, too. Sometimes it goes in your favor, sometimes it doesn’t. It has worked for me, and I do what I am comfortable with, as should everyone.I don't understand why you wouldn't go to a bank or currency exchange before you leave home, to stock up on some cash so you will have it upon arrival in a place where a different currency is used.
I am trying to understand the derogatory response as my suggestion WAS offered as a question. Oh wait...perhaps it is my fault not recognizing a member change of name?That suggestion is something that you might expect to hear from a clueless, kookie financial advisor like Suze Orman.
I have accounts in 2 European countries and trust me there is no free lunch once you open an account here, if you can actually provide them with enough details to do so. Forget it!
No, I offered the suggestion as a question. I did not purport that I had experience doing it.Do you have personal experience doing this? Or can you point to a reliable up-to-date guide on how to do it for an account with no start-up and maintenance fees? All that I can find on the subject suggests that it is a lengthy and complicated process for a non-resident to obtain a Spanish bank account. I cannot see that any likely saving on ATM exchange fees would be large enough to justify the time and effort involved in the process.
How to Open a Bank Account in Spain (For Residents & Non-Residents)
Access a complete guide on how to open a bank account in Spain. From best banks to a complete list of requirements, and more!www.immigrationspain.es
The most important thing is any fees or commission. They will likely account for more than the fluctuations in the exchange rate.I do, but I watch the rates also. And it’s been my experience that you don’t always get the best exchange rate at home, but then again, it can vary once you get to your destination, too. Sometimes it goes in your favor, sometimes it doesn’t. It has worked for me, and I do what I am comfortable with, as should everyone.
I offered the idea as a question. I did not advise that I had done it myself, as yet. However, I am at lagerheads to offer ideas again with the misreading and nasty responses received so far.What??
I don't think that this would be easily accomplished by a foreigner briefly visiting the country. And how would you fund the account?
That’s why I do my homework and have stuck with one particular exchange place for many a visit. It also helps to have backup plans, which I do. Not all my eggs go into one basket, ¿ sabes? Buen caminoThe most important thing is any fees or commission. They will likely account for more than the fluctuations in the exchange rate.
Interesting. I opened and account in Portugal at Millennium Bank in November 2022 and they required my NIF.(A slight digression)
Five years ago, we opened a Portuguese bank account. We were told by all and sundry that we needed NIFs (Portuguese tax id nos.) to do so. Our particular turn of circumstances would have made this difficult.
It turns out that this is not true. We managed to open the account before we acquired our NIFs (and later added them to our bank records.) The bank staff were not aware of this. It had to be looked up in their operating manual, but the actual process went fine.
That being said, it's probably not worth doing unless you're planning on spending a lot of time in the country--not just for one caminho.
HOWEVER--I have to say the number of services you can access from a Portuguese ATM, if you DO have access, is impressive. Not sure if the same is true in Spain.
yes for sure ... i always have cash on my when i arrive to tide me over ..last thing i want to look for is an ATM after a long flightI was wondering if I should exchange some US$ for Euros before I leave the US. I know I can get cash from ATM’s, but would I be wise to start off with, say, a couple of hundred Euros in cash, like for when I first arrive for busses, taxis, etc. Do taxis take credit cards, BTW?
Revolut card is greatI was wondering if I should exchange some US$ for Euros before I leave the US. I know I can get cash from ATM’s, but would I be wise to start off with, say, a couple of hundred Euros in cash, like for when I first arrive for busses, taxis, etc. Do taxis take credit cards, BTW?
Zelle only works in the US, and Cash App only works in the US and UK.Does anyone have experience using e-pay options like Zelle or CashApp in Spain?
Yes! And at end of each Camino I like to bring home an extra 200 Euro (or more) so I’m always ready for a future trip.Simple answer: yes. 200 should do it. Then you are not dependent on ATMs being open/accessible/working when you arrive. How you pay for stuff after that is a different question with a lot of complex answers.
The pinless, touch thing is now the wave of the future and God only knows what that is leading to. In Portugal I can just wave my cellphone over a payment now. Yikes!
What card doI trust the system , but never leave Oz with out local currency. Euros and US dollars are my stand byes. I also have my travel money card loaded with the equivalent of $500 in the local money. Cheers
I have my CBA Master Credit & Debit Cards. I also have CBA issued Visa Money Card. On this card I can down load virtually any world currency - currently I have US dollars and Euros loaded. But I have had Japanese Yen and NZ dollars. Have a talk to your bank (if you can find a local branch that is). CheersWhat card do
you use? I’m also from Oz.
I'm pretty sure that the fee that is charged by the ATM is the same, regardless of which bank the debit card comes from. However, your bank can always charge additional fees for foreign withdrawals.Just wondering.. if the atm fees charged by the atms in Spain depends on what debit card you use (as in a debit card from USA or UK vs from where I come from, South East Asia).. or is it the same regardless your home card..
In Spain you choose "current account" for your checking account.Try to have separate Debit and Credit cards. If you have one card to access both accounts, I find many ATMs will automatically deduct any cash withdrawal from the credit account and not give the option of using the debit account. The result is inevitably more initial fees and then interest charges on top.
Does that mean that you never use a debit card either?I refuse to use my phone to pay for anything..I detest direct debit.
But once your wallet is put back no one is going to take more than what is there, likely a lot less than what you have in the bank.Does that mean that you never use a debit card either?
And when you think about it, using cash is a direct debit from your wallet!
I read an article about that today too. The scammers are always one step ahead of us!I just read today of a bank's tap to withdrawal at ATMs not closing the transaction and allowing thieves to conduct more withdrawals immediately afterward up to almost a thousand dollars. The bank did eventually make good by restoring funds but you can imagine how much time and effort that took.
That’s a good question, and I can only offer a suggestion: that you first check with your bank to see if they can offer any guidance/answers. Two large Spanish banks, BBVA and Banco Santander, have a strong presence where I live (México), so you might use ask your bank representative if there exists a business relationship between yours and one/both of them, or at least give you an idea about what fees you would be charged so you know before you go. ¡Suerte, y buen camino!Just wondering.. if the atm fees charged by the atms in Spain depends on what debit card you use (as in a debit card from USA or UK vs from where I come from, South East Asia).. or is it the same regardless your home card..
I am from UK and have never heard of a joint debit and credit card though I only hold a debit card so may be hopelessly out of touch. I think @dougfitz mentioned this product once. Is it just an Australia thing or other countries. I have been in Australia twice recently and marvelled at your contactless network-I never used an ATM once- so am guessing you a very innovative as a banking country!Try to have separate Debit and Credit cards. If you have one card to access both accounts, I find many ATMs will automatically deduct any cash withdrawal from the credit account and not give the option of using the debit account. The result is inevitably more initial fees and then interest charges on top.
Cash or debit card with a maximum or limit.Does that mean that you never use a debit card either?
And when you think about it, using cash is a direct debit from your wallet!
Hi fellow pilgrims I myself, all ways take cash in euros, having done the frances twice I have never had any problems, can be up to 800 euros.as long as you keep it safe 24/7 in a waist belt with passport and any tickets etc plus credit cards to pay in hotels and for just an emergency, I don't like to use cards in an ATM in case it takes the card, if i need extra.cash.i go into a bank, but looking forward to my next Camino will.do the same again..good Camino to allSorry to hear you got hacked! I have had it too and now I do a few things to lessen the risk. Yes I am paranoid but that doesn’t mean people aren’t out to get me.
I only use one card to withdraw money,
or pay for something, and straight after, transfer whatever is left on that card to another account so if someone tries to withdraw there is zero balance to draw from.
Also find out when your bank day starts and finishes. Mine is 0300 local time. So hackers will withdraw to max balance at 0259 and then 0301. Good info to know.
My banking app lets me do the foll. 3 things.
1. Freeze my card. After a withdrawal I can freeze the card so it cannot be used till I unfeeze it.
2. I can limit the contactless to any value £0 to £100
3. I can limit the number of transactions that I can use contactless on, until a PIN is requested.
Not fool proof of course but it gives me a little peace of mind.
I work in tourism in Australia. We have had a number of cruise ships visiting lately. Many of the Americans tip in US dollars. While I appreciate the tips, tipping is not a part of Australian culture as our basic wage is quite good at over $AU 20 per hour. I'm saving my $US tips and will exchange it for Euros before leaving Australia.Not so long ago there was a thread where someone asked what denominations of US dollar bills they should bring to spend in albergues and bars along the Camino. They had read/heard/imagined that it was simpler and quite acceptable to pay for stuff in US currency rather than exchange their $$$ for euros. If only life were that easy...
Two things came immediately to mind when I saw this:I work in tourism in Australia. We have had a number of cruise ships visiting lately. Many of the Americans tip in US dollars.
I was going to hazard a guess and suggest that the cruise ship has mainly USA folks and charges in US Dollars onboard instead of/as well as the currency of the city docked at? Or maybe they take USD/GBP/EUR - just a guess tho!Two things came immediately to mind when I saw this:
- why would anyone tip in a currency not used in the country they are visiting? Surely they realise that this imposes a burden on whoever gets the tip, even if that is just to take it to the bank to exchange it. More, unless it is a note, most Australian banks are not going to exchange it. Perhaps a currency exchange might, but it doesn't make it any less burdensome.
- how would someone in the US, who might have greater reliance on tips to form a livable income stream, react to getting a tip in Euro, GBP, AUD, etc. I can imagine that any initial surprise would be quickly replaced, perhaps by anger? Or a demand for local currency? I cannot imagine it being accepted without some adverse reaction.
That is always a possibility, but even if the ship is charging in USD, I wouldn't expect them to be using cash on board as a matter of course. The few cruises that I have been on all charged to your ship account or a credit card. Ferries are different, but for multi-day cruises, I don't ever recall cash being handled at all.I was going to hazard a guess and suggest that the cruise ship has mainly USA folks and charges in US Dollars onboard instead of/as well as the currency of the city docked at? Or maybe they take USD/GBP/EUR - just a guess tho!
Sure! I was just guessing. Good point re settling to account. I have no insight! And yes of course you are right re offshore! BTW I have never seen a country to have such great contactless coverage as Australia-I didn’t even touch a banknote on a recent three week there (albeit in the cities) but yes would expect folks to exchange for local currency. Other guess is many are used to doing cruises to Mexico where USD is very welcome! !That is always a possibility, but even if the ship is charging in USD, I wouldn't expect them to be using cash on board as a matter of course. The few cruises that I have been on all charged to your ship account or a credit card. Ferries are different, but for multi-day cruises, I don't ever recall cash being handled at all.
And I would expect that any cruise director worth their salt would be reminding passengers they need to have local currency when ashore for transactions where they don't want to use a credit card. Perhaps I am expecting too much!
True about cruises to Mexico, as the bizness to all the major ports of call on the Gulf of Mexico and the Pacific coast is again booming. And the US dollar is welcomed from turistas, period, whether they come by land, sea or air. Dollar tips are golden.Sure! I was just guessing. Good point re settling to account. I have no insight! And yes of course you are right re offshore! BTW I have never seen a country to have such great contactless coverage as Australia-I didn’t even touch a banknote on a recent three week there (albeit in the cities) but yes would expect folks to exchange for local currency. Other guess is many are used to doing cruises to Mexico where USD is very welcome! !
I think the dollar is become a ‘must carry’ currency in about 75% of the world nowadays if you want to maximise your cash!True about cruises to Mexico, as the bizness to all the major ports of call on the Gulf of Mexico and the Pacific coast is again booming. And the US dollar is welcomed from turistas, period, whether they come by land, sea or air. Dollar tips are golden.
Maybe they are ignorant of that simple fact. I wouldn't be surprised.why would anyone tip in a currency not used in the country they are visiting?
Gosh really! That would be incredible but who knows I guess!Maybe they are ignorant of that simple fact. I wouldn't be surprised.
Maybe they are ignorant of that simple fact. I wouldn't be surprised.
I wouldn't be surprised either.Gosh really! That would be incredible but who knows I guess!
According to an earlier entry on this topic, there are not a lot of casas de cambio in Spain where you can change US$$ to €€. This is not the case in México, however. There are at least four of them within walking distance of my house and they exchange US and Canadian $$ to Mexican pesos, €€ to pesos, as well as a couple of other currencies to the Mexican currency (and vis versa if you are desperateI wouldn't be surprised either.
I have read a lot of forums for travel to Mexico, and many Americans assume that USD is preferred for tips, despite other people telling them that it adds an extra burden to exchange for pesos.
Ah ok! Thanks! As a non USA person I didn’t want to assume it as I thought it might upset someone (given stereotypes around some USA travellers!)!I wouldn't be surprised either.
I have read a lot of forums for travel to Mexico, and many Americans assume that USD is preferred for tips, despite other people telling them that it adds an extra burden to exchange for pesos.
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