ATMs in Spain

Firebird

Could anyone tell me if there is an option to select a language when using cash withdrawal machines in Spain.
We are heading over in a couple of weeks and I am hoping to use my Natoinwide card but haven't used it in Spain before. Not sure whether I would be able to view the screen in English or if I will need to check out some related Spanish phrases.

Quietmanc

Hi,Firebird. You will get a choice of languages-so no problem.

luci

The ATM will recognise that it is a UK card when you put it in and you will be given the option to have the instructions in English.

It's very straightforward so don't worry about it.

One thing to bear in mind is, if it asks if you want the transaction in GBP (Sterling), make sure you press No or it will converts at a rate less favourabel than the Nationwide card.

Firebird

Thanks to both of you. That has put my mind at ease.

Teahfc

Do remember to put your hand over the top of the buttons when you press them as Spain has a massive problem of fraud and those false fronts on ATM machines, best way if possible as usual is to try and use one in a bank :beer:

This is not exclusive to Spain as we know but always worth keeping in your mind :beer:

Andy_Ches

Some of them will even tell you roughly how much it will be in English Money too :-)

pompeyrich

Andy_Ches wrote: »

Some of them will even tell you roughly how much it will be in English Money too :-)

Some of them dont give you the choice, I could only draw money from a Santander (Abbey) cashpoint in Lloret if I opted to take their dynamic currency conversion. every time I opted for the "let your own bank convert the transaction" it failed !! The rate they gave me was pretty good though so not a real problem but maybe worth having a calculator to hand.

Inactive

pompeyrich wrote: »

Some of them dont give you the choice, I could only draw money from a Santander (Abbey) cashpoint in Lloret if I opted to take their dynamic currency conversion. every time I opted for the "let your own bank convert the transaction" it failed !! The rate they gave me was pretty good though so not a real problem but maybe worth having a calculator to hand.

That must have been a faulty ATM, I never have any problems with Santander or any other ATM in Spain, I always select the NO option to get the best rate.

pompeyrich

Inactive wrote: »

That must have been a faulty ATM, I never have any problems with Santander or any other ATM in Spain, I always select the NO option to get the best rate.

May have been faulty, twice I selected NO to the rate they offered, both times it spat my card out. Third time I accepted their rate and hey presto Euros. I've just checked and the Santander rate was 1.0745 and 2, same day, credit card transaction were converted here at 1.0749 so it wasn't exactly a rip-off. The "High Street" rate here at the time was around 1.03.

Inactive

pompeyrich wrote: »

May have been faulty, twice I selected NO to the rate they offered, both times it spat my card out. Third time I accepted their rate and hey presto Euros. I've just checked and the Santander rate was 1.0745 and 2, same day, credit card transaction were converted here at 1.0749 so it wasn't exactly a rip-off. The "High Street" rate here at the time was around 1.03.

You were very lucky, Santander rate is usually much less than the UK bank rate.

omelette451

pompeyrich wrote: »

May have been faulty, twice I selected NO to the rate they offered, both times it spat my card out. Third time I accepted their rate and hey presto Euros.

I would consider registering a complaint with Santander Head Office - that shouldn't have happened.