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Hi Melamann! I carry a debit card and carry around 200 Euros in cash, which is enough to tide me over until the next cash point. Cash, credit cards, passport etc keep on you at all times, even take into the shower with you in a waterproof bag.
I would not bring an Ipad or tablet (too heavy), though I see many people do, but if you do, do not leave it unattended.
When are you walking the VDLP? I get to Seville April 4th, but begin walking April 10th.
Buen Camino
Davey
I draw the maximum that my card will allow. This is to avoid user fees.
I carry my documents and money in the top of my pack stowed in ziploc bags to keep them dry. When the pack comes off my back, the documents and money get moved to my pockets ... every time. I find this helps me remember to be conscious of where my shiny stuff is.
I have a password on my tablet. Go ahead and steal it for whatever use you will have for it then.
Hi Davey!
Great advice. Would never think to bring it in the shower with me, but yes, makes perfect sense!
Oh no! I think we'll be just missing each other! My friend and I arrive in Seville on March 30th and we plan to begin walking April 4th.
Hi Melamann, Your plan for money is exactly what I did, but I did not have a money belt and it was awkward always having to go into a cafe, etc. with your money in your backpack. I kept it and my passport in a plastic baggy in my cargo pants pocket when I could. I did buy a money belt when I got home for my next pilgrimage.Hi friends,
I'm walking the Via de Plata (Seville only up to Salamanca) in April. I'm curious what people have found to be the best way to carry/withdraw money. Right now I'm planning to bring my debit and credit cards and have about 150-200 euro on me at any given time and then just withdraw from ATMs as needed. Thoughts?
Also, carrying money/passports/credit cards: is the general consensus to wear a money belt/liner?
Gonna throw in another question while I'm here...anyone ever bring an Ipad or a tablet on the trail? I'd like to blog along the way, but I'm worried about it being stolen/damaged. Would love to hear your thoughts.
Many thanks!
Do you know the brand name of that walking shirt? Sounds like I need it!I'm with @Bradypus - for the absent-minded me, pockets work best. My walking skirt has deep pockets with internal zippered pockets with the zippers going the "wrong " way - pull up to open, and down to close. Very clever. It needs two hands to open - one to hold the skirt taut, the other to pull the zip up. It would be hard for someone to open without me noticing.
Ipads are not big; if you are carrying it you can most likely tuck it into the bag with your clean, dry clothes that you're taking to the shower. I see above that you're walking with a friend. (AKA 'buddy", as in the buddy system that used to be taught in Scouts.) If you are indeed traveling with a buddy, you can take turns taking showers, and your bunks will likely be close together and since you came in together and are a group there should be no problem. (She says with hope in her heart) Re the occasionally heard advice about sleeping with the PP and camera, I found that tucking the camera and the belly bag into the bottom of my sleeping bag kept the weight of the bag off my (at that time) very sore toe. As well as keeping me from leaving it behind!Thanks for the input! Will definitely keep it in mind.
Handy new info thanks.I have found that the banks Bankia and Caixa do not charge any fees for international cards (I have used visa and mastercard).
Useful new info thanks.I have found that the banks Bankia and Caixa do not charge any fees for international cards (I have used visa and mastercard).
Melamann, if you have concerns about your iPad, I took a tiny digital voice recorder and had it 'at the ready' for any thoughts that were worth recording. But mostly I used it for the sounds of the Camino. So glad I did this. I can switch it on at any time and go back in time...Buen CaminoHi friends,
I'm walking the Via de Plata (Seville only up to Salamanca) in April. I'm curious what people have found to be the best way to carry/withdraw money. Right now I'm planning to bring my debit and credit cards and have about 150-200 euro on me at any given time and then just withdraw from ATMs as needed. Thoughts?
Also, carrying money/passports/credit cards: is the general consensus to wear a money belt/liner?
Gonna throw in another question while I'm here...anyone ever bring an Ipad or a tablet on the trail? I'd like to blog along the way, but I'm worried about it being stolen/damaged. Would love to hear your thoughts.
Many thanks!
I brought an i-pad mini and was glad I did.Hi friends,
I'm walking the Via de Plata (Seville only up to Salamanca) in April. I'm curious what people have found to be the best way to carry/withdraw money. Right now I'm planning to bring my debit and credit cards and have about 150-200 euro on me at any given time and then just withdraw from ATMs as needed. Thoughts?
Also, carrying money/passports/credit cards: is the general consensus to wear a money belt/liner?
Gonna throw in another question while I'm here...anyone ever bring an Ipad or a tablet on the trail? I'd like to blog along the way, but I'm worried about it being stolen/damaged. Would love to hear your thoughts.
Many thanks!
Do you know the brand name of that walking shirt? Sounds like I need it!
I just wait until I'm in Spain and get Euros from ATMs. Usually use an ATM at the airport. I use a Schwab account and they refund all ATM fees. I carry a second debit card from another bank as a back up.This summer will be my second time in Spain.
What I do is start buying Euros 4 or 5 months ahead of time to average out the exchange rate. I buy them in NYC and get a much better rate than your average bank.
Not sure what options most of you have?
But my research has showed that your local bank rips you off.
I know that you are just passing on this advice that you have heard but if the advice was valid many years ago, it certainly no longer is. I've been using debit cards in Spain, Italy, Portugal, France and Germany for 5 years and the cards from several US/Singapore banks worked in a variety of international / local bank ATMs and I never had a problem with 6 digit codes. Many (most? / all?) European banks issue cards with 4 digit PINs but that has nothing to do with their ATMs getting your bank to confirm your PIN. To be fair and offer full disclosure, I have always used bank ATMs, not the very old private ones that you can find in some stores. There were always enough bank ATMs that I never had to try those private ones which, I have heard (only heard, NOT verified), charge excessive fees or conversion rates.Also be sure your debit card has a four digit PIN. European banks do not recognize 6 digit PINs.
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