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Everyone's tolerance level for carrying cash is different. There are no bad answers to this question. The idea of carrying cash in multiple locations is a good one. I usually carry 100 Euro's in small bills in zipped pants pocket. I also carry a larger amount in a money pouch around my neck. When my pocket money gets to 20 euro's I break a large bill in a grocery store or the equivalent, if possible. Keep in mind there are fees for using ATM's and currency exchange. These fees add up if you are using an ATM every few days. There are a number of cards that minimize these costs. this subject is covered in another thread.
Ultreya,
Joe
Thanks! Actually learned about that card on this forum, just thought it was worth mentioning again.Great info Jim.
We used a Charles Schwab debit card. We opened an account with them specifically for the Camino. That way, it was not tied to any of our other bank accounts. There are NO ATM fees (they reimburse them all at the end of the month), and no international exchange fees. They were even VERY helpful when my card got eaten by that nasty ATM machine (luckily we still had my wife's card), but the would have overnighted a new card to me if needed. Great to deal with!!
Jim
It depends on the bank. I use a cash card preloaded with euros. When the $AU was high, I took the opportunity to load the card with enough for my last trip. As is normal, you pay a conversion fee in the first place but there is no ATM charge attached to the card. The bank that owns the ATM may charge but, if that's the case, there will be a message on the screen to that effect before you finalise the withdrawal. It's a MasterCard so it also works anywhere that credit is available.I have been told that you get a better rate on credit card transactions than ATM withdrawals.
Hi, I noticed a great concern about money on the Camino. Has anyone been actually robbed or mugged on the track, or had his/hers money stolen in an albergue?
yes - the atm numbers are different to those in Australia and New Zealand too! I was with a Kiwi girl who was frustrated her card wasn't working until she noticed she was punching in her numbers on autopilot and not looking!! Luckily she noticed before the machine swallowed her card!All the above are good tips and true. Definitely stash some cash 'elsewhere' so that if you do lose your money you have a backup, and definitely never open/reveal your main 'stash' in public.
If you get large bank notes from an atm then go and buy something cheap from a supermarket with the largest denomination note (they don't care about large notes) so that you then have change and small notes.
If you are in the UK I would recommend getting a Post Office credit card as there are no transaction fees for using it abroad. I use one of those for purchases, and my French bank account card, which is in Euros, for withdrawals when 'over there'.
I seem to remember other posts on the forum that suggested that some American cards could be a problem with atm's as they have a different number of numbers on the pin? I may be wrong (I usually am).
Charles Schwab tell me they are only available for US citizens who intend to be outside the US for less than 6 months.We used a Charles Schwab debit card. We opened an account with them specifically for the Camino. There are NO ATM fees (they reimburse them all at the end of the month), and no international exchange fees. Jim
Charles Schwab tell me they are only available for US citizens who intend to be outside the US for less than 6 months.
Regds
Gerard
Me too Jim!Sometimes I have narrow visionJim
Hey Ryan, Don here from Corrales. Gone yet or going? Steve and I leave May 1 for 200 km from Ponferrada to Santiago.Check with your local banks, My bank in New Mexico can get me all the EUROS I want at no charge(probably because I have an account), take 250 to 350 with you to start and you won"t have to worry for a week or two.
Greetings. Wondering what the best kind of credit card is to carry from the US to Spain? regular Visa credit card, pre-loaded credit card or debit card? Thanks for your advice.
Gracias everyone!Bring a regular Visa card for credit purchases and a debit card/ATM card to get cash from cash machines. Pre-loaded cards are generally a pretty bad deal for Americans - the ones available to us are filled with fees and bad exchange rates.
When I travel overseas, and it will be the same for the Camino, I bring 2 credit cards and an ATM card. I have PINs for my credit cards also, which I can use as a backup to get cash from ATMs if something happens to my ATM card, but that is as a backup since the fees associated with using a credit card to get cash are usually higher.
Hi, I noticed a great concern about money on the Camino. Has anyone been actually robbed or mugged on the track, or had his/hers money stolen in an albergue?
I used a mix of cash and credit cards last year. The cash was at smaller venues - bars; albergues etc. The credit card was used to purchase bus/train tickets / hotels; oh and also major tourist stuff to take home.One thing not mentioned on this thread is the use of credit cards instead of using an ATM and paying in cash. I haven't walked the Frances in years, but one thing I have definitely noticed on many of the lesser traveled caminos is the increasing number of stores, bars, pensiones, and restaurants that accept credit cards, even in very small towns. I have been told that you get a better rate on credit card transactions than ATM withdrawals. I try to always have at least 100 euros cash but use my credit card whenever possible. This cuts down on the ATM visits.
In fact, last year on the Levante, which is 1200 km from Valencia, I only used an ATM four times. The rest was on a credit card.
I am not aware of anyone being robbed, assaulted or even accosted on the Camino. I felt completely safe in Spain and especially safe on the Camino. Most of the people who live along the Camino respect the act of pilgrimage. I never worried about leaving my backpack outside a café, church or other location when I walked inside. However, I always carried my cell phone, passport, wallet, pilgrim's credential and cash on my person for peace of mind.
The Camino is no different from anywhere else in the world,
in terms of theft!
There are many cases of stolen backpacks and gear left unattended.
Use the same care you would anywhere else.
I would strongly advise not leaving your backpack or other gear on the street in front of a bar or anywhere else.
Unless, of course, you would do that where you live and trust to luck that no evil doers will pass by.
Dr. Don ,I start on May 9th from St. Jean, hope, it's getting close.Hey Ryan, Don here from Corrales. Gone yet or going? Steve and I leave May 1 for 200 km from Ponferrada to Santiago.
Is it possible for me to find a prepaid card at the start of the Camino for me? Concerned also about the atm fees. Any ideas or suggestions?
Monya,What is the least offensive way (more than one would be great?) to break a €100 note?
You need one that is part of your bank's network. Most will be, but check the sticker postings. There are plenty around including at the post office. They are so common that it is hard to remember where a specific one is.Is there a ATM in St. Jean that anyone can suggest?
Actually I made sure before I left to get a atm MasterCard. I found that ally bank was the best for me. No ATM charges other than a 1% transaction fee.You need one that is part of your bank's network. Most will be, but check the sticker postings. There are plenty around including at the post office. They are so common that it is hard to remember where a specific one is.
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