Double check when you call your banks to inform of travel...

[shefollowsshells]

Not certain this applies as much to those in Europe...
BUT I leave tomorrow for Camino number two and one of my friends is there now (coming from the States), she called both Chase and Bank of America prior to going and has not had access to either account over there in a week.

SO...my advice, call...and call again...to inform them of your travels and where you will be.

 

[Alexster66]

Have a wonderful time on the Way and thanks for the reminder

 

[t2andreo]

I always call at least one week in advance AND I send them an e-mail via the secure messaging system that the bank has attached to your account for contacting customer service. I also cc myself.

This way, I will have a copy with me, on my iPod Touch. It has always worked, at least for the 30 years I traveled globally on business and leisure.

Also, DO NOT forget to take the correct phone numbers for the fraud-prevention office for whoever manages your card(s). If your account is blocked this is where you need to call. Typically, they are open 24x7.

I hope this helps.

 

[indyinmaine]

Good advice from everyone. Also keep in mind that because of the increased potential for fraud in Spain that many (most?) places will ask for your passport as identification. I had this happen just getting gas for a rental car. It didn't happen in France.

 

[Olivia Luna]

Help with ALSA

I have been trying to make my bus reservations using my iPad. I have used both the Spanish and English interfaces and neither has accepted the transaction.... Pay pal does not have a drop down to select passport (just NIF/NIE) so it will not transact. The ALSA app is also no go....

Will I need to fire up the computer? Suggestions welcome.

 

[billmclaughlin]

It would help to know what country your credit cards are in, but I think you didn't complete that part of your profile.

 

[Thomr]

I informed my bank (Natwest) before going on Camino and was told that it made no difference, my card could still be blocked! Always take another card just to be sure

 

[quietwun]

Alsa booking...my experience on a PC (CDN) was that it wanted my card to be registered with "Verified by Visa/Mastercard". I just closed the popup that wanted that extra password but it turns out they were serious in wanting what they called "the digital signature issued by your bank."

In the end I have decided to wing it without a reservation as I wasn't totally sure which one I would be in time for anyway. It will sort itself out some way.

Lynda

 

[StuartM]

I managed to book Alsa tickets via Paypal last year. Cant recall how I did it but it is possible if you persevere.

 

[Olivia Luna]

Hmmmm, it is a USA card. However, the problem was not the card, the problem was that there was no drop down menu to select "Passport number" after inputting the card number so the passenger information was rejected as incomplete. This was the case for credit card, pay pal, in both Spanish and English. I will try the laptop tomorrow since I believe it is an interface issue with the tablet... Oh well, no big, the bus has plenty of seats available. I just do not feel like winging it so I will stay on it

 

[Bozzie]

Have a wonderful time on the Way and thanks for the reminder

Perhaps her account has been hacked since she's been on the Way. That is so unfortunate to be without funds! I had no problems with my Compass Bank card, whatsoever.