Cash on the Camino Frances

[ShelleyW]

Any issues obtaining Cash / Euros on the Camino?
Did you find ATM’s belonging to obscure networks vs “Plus, Star, Interlink, Money pass”.
Open to any advise on money matters while walking the Camino

 

[Glenshiro]

No problem getting cash with a Visa or Mastercard. ATMs in all towns and large villages. (If you are offered the choice to pay in your own currency - don't take it. It always costs more.)

 

[SYates]

The only longish stretch without ATM on the CF is between Belorado and Burgos.

Buen Camino, SY

 

[Caligal]

NEVER had an issue finding ATMs most all were of the Plus, Star, etc. network. I did always use ATMs attached to actual banks( just incase, but never had a problem) i always had a back-up 100 euros for the stretches between larger cities.

 

[JulieandPeter]

Hi,
You may find this thread useful. https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/threads/atms-on-camino.51235/ Buen Camino!

 

[John Sikora]

Never had a problem on the Camino or elsewhere in Spain with ATMs. Sometimes, though, you end up paying a lot more in ATM charges than you might want. They do vary a bit. So if you happen to see a couple different ones and you try the first and don't like the price, cancel the transaction and try it's neighbor. Usually, the cost is 2 or 3 Euros plus whatever your bank at home will charge you. Not a killer.

 

[Shalaw]

We ran out of money once, because we ASS-U-ME-d there would be a bank machine in the next town we were heading to, but there wasn't one. And of course, not realizing we could have taken a quick 10 minute taxi ride to find and ATM?! Lol. It's amazing how much bigger the world is, when travelling on foot. We did have enough for our bed and a meal, but no money for breakfast and coffee the next day, and the next town was at least 10kms away. As it turned out, we found a bar that took credit cards so we had breakfast and also bought two ponchos (the Camino always provides!!) as we were close to entering Galicia. We did learn a valuable lesson though, and that was to keep 100 euro tucked away at all times for emergency situations that I recommend doing.

Buen Camino!!

 

[Oddyspapa]

Never had any problem to find ATM. Only one thing to be careful is when you use the ATM of BANKIA. If you make any mistake to key in, ATM machine eat your card. During business hour, it is no problem, but after hour or weekend, you have to wait until bank is open or give up your card.

 

[celinehenriette]

Just don't use the ATM machines inside where you need your bank card to enter. In Logrono I was trapped inside one because I couldn't open the door from the inside. With my friend outside rolling on the ground laughing there was no one to help me. After 5 minutes (my friend was getting help) some Spanish opened the door with their card from the outside. Not my finest moment..please learn from this

 

[John Crawford Howell]

I walked into Belorado realizing I had only 10 Euros. How did that happen! Fortunately, there was a bank at the far end of the Plaza Mayor. After this, I carried around 300 Euros in cash and used my Deutsche Bank debit card for hostals, pensions, and Santiago expenses. Albergues, of course, required cash.

 

[Saranger]

Note for American pilgrims, sign up for a free Charles Schwab Bank account. Fund it with your money for the Camino. ATM fees are automatically refunded back to your account. I've had this card for years and have had hundreds of dollars refunded!

 

[John Crawford Howell]

I, too, have this benefit from Schwab; I've just not used it since I work part of the year in Germany and am paid in Euros. Your point is a good one, Saranger.

 

[Kanga]

For Australians, same deal with ING Direct. As long as you use the account a certain number of times a month, you get all ATM fees refunded.

 

[John Crawford Howell]

Trust the Orange! Great company!

 

[Saranger]

I, too, have this benefit from Schwab; I've just not used it since I work part of the year in Germany and am paid in Euros. Your point is a good one, Saranger.

Online access to views or transfer funds in/out make it very easy to use the Schwab card.

 

[MichelleElynHogan]

I discovered that my debit card only works on Plus ATM's. So, to add to all the good advice here, please make sure you know the types of ATM's you are allowed to use your card on, (found on the back of your card), and do not attempt to use it in an unfriendly ATM. You never know when those little machines will get hungry for another bit of plastic.

 

[rickyt]

Note for American pilgrims, sign up for a free Charles Schwab Bank account. Fund it with your money for the Camino. ATM fees are automatically refunded back to your account. I've had this card for years and have had hundreds of dollars refunded!

This is probably a dumb question but, oh well. Do you have to have an investment account with Charles Schwab in order to have a checking account with them? Thanks!

 

[John Crawford Howell]

Hi Rickyt. Short answer: no. I moved our investment accounts elsewhere years ago. I have had and continue to have a checking account with Schwab. I do not use the ATM benefit because (as I've reported in this forum) I'm paid in Euros and have a Euro denominated debit card. Hope this helps.

 

[BucketBabe]

Note for American pilgrims, sign up for a free Charles Schwab Bank account. Fund it with your money for the Camino. ATM fees are automatically refunded back to your account. I've had this card for years and have had hundreds of dollars refunded!

Also USAA refunds fees and charges no transaction fees if you are lucky to qualify with current/prior military service or close relatives with same.

 

[mguillen]

Note for American pilgrims, sign up for a free Charles Schwab Bank account. Fund it with your money for the Camino. ATM fees are automatically refunded back to your account. I've had this card for years and have had hundreds of dollars refunded!

Hello- do you need to use this account several times a year in order for it to be free? Or have a minimum balance? Thx!

 

[Saranger]

No minimum balance required or need to use it several times throughout the year. It’s a great product for travelers. ATM fees are refunded in the USA as well, so even if your travels don’t take you out of the country, you still have the ability for fee-free withdrawals at home.

Adding funds to the account are easy with their free transfer service.