ATM advice in Spain

Paul_J

Going for a 1 week break in Tenerife in a fortnight and going to try the recommended method of getting cash over there with my Nationwide debit card.
Now, here in England there are ATM's which charge a fee for getting cash out regardless of which bank you're with (you know, the commercial ones in small shops, etc).

When I'm in Tenerife, how will I know if an ATM is one of these commercial ones (presuming they have them over there), as my Spanish reading ability is none too hot. Any tips, apart from sticking to ATM's outside a proper bank?

Any types of ATM's to avoid?

Thank-you.

choccyface2006

Hi,

I took my Nationwide card to Menorca and Majorca and never got charged for withdrawing cash and found the machines very easy to use, my spanish is really bad too so I did worry about it! I know that doesn't really answer your question and I am sure there are some that charge but I was lucky enough not to find one.

Sarah x

poppy_f1

normally theres a choice of language, there has been in many atm's i've used in europe

Party_Animal

I've used my Nationwide card all over the world, amd never been charged yet. Even in South America you could get the instructions in English, though I didn't have a problem with the Spanish ones.

moonrakerz

I have just got back from Spain, Calpe/Valencia area - every ATM was multi lingual ! and free ! and good rate on my Nationwide card !

Paul_J

Hi, and thank-you all very very much for your replies. Its put my mind at rest now and its much appreciated!
Gracias!

MrSmartprice

Remember that some ATMs will ask you if you want your account charged in pounds or euros. Always say euros and the conversion will be at the Nationwide rate, which was 1.462 last week.

If you ask for it to be charged in pounds the conversion will be by the bank owning the ATM which will charge commission and possibly give a lower rate.

pin

1. Nationwide Debit Card for ATM withdrawals from destination country (no foreign loading) / the Audi credit card or the Post Office credit card for purchases in destination country (but watch out for Dynamic Currency Conversion) (no foreign loading for purchases, BUT watch charges for cash withdrawals).

2. Nationwide Credit Card (please note Nationwide's policy re chip and pin in foreign countries: see this thread from FlyerTalk) (no foreign loading for purchases, BUT watch charges for cash withdrawals).

3. SAGA credit card (if you are over 50) for purchases in destination country (no foreign loading for European purchases, 1% for rest of the world).

4. Any other debit card for ATM withdrawals from destination country / any other credit card for purchases in destination country (but for both CHECK T&C's to see exact charges).

5. Thomas Exchange Global ("TEG") in central London - pay and pick up at store (they also offer a delivery service, but charge £5).

6. Link Foreign Exchange ("LinkFX") in Victoria Station, central London - pay and pick up at store.

7. Travelex online (remember Travelex will price match any other exchange service, i.e. the one above) -pay online, pick up at airport.

For price matching: order through Travelex online as you would do normally, then call up TEG (02072401214 or 02078281880) or LinkFX (02072338822) and get a quote re their exchange rate. Email Travelex: [EMAIL="customerservices@travelex.com"]customerservices@travelex.com[/EMAIL] (must be done on the same day) stating the following: your Travelex reference number, your currency quote from TEG or LinkFX (and the fact you got it from TEG or LinkFX) and your address (Travelex will send you a cheque refunding the difference). Also Travelex normally acknowledge receipt of your email. Full terms and conditions of the Travelex Price Promise are on the Travelex website.

8. Marks and Spencer - pay online or pay and pick up instore.

9. Online FX (using this link ensures free deliver) - pay online, delivery to home.

10. HSBC (they seem to use Amex as their travel money provider and offer free delivery for orders over £350) - pay online, deliver to home or pick up from branch (and avoid any delivery charge).

11. Thomson Travel (they seem to use Amex as their travel money provider) - pay online, delivery to home.

12. Co-op Travel (they use Currency Express / Exchange and offer free delivery for orders over £300) - pay online, delivery to home.

13. Post Office (while probably not the best rate, there are many of them around, so may be convenient) - pay online, pick up at PO or pay and pick up at PO.

14. Haggle with High Street travel agent (which may ensure better rates than 5 to 9 above) - pay and pick up instore.

With 1 - 4 make sure you tell your card provider you are going abroad, where you are going and for how long, so they can put a note on your account.

With 5 - 14, if you are paying with debit / credit card check your T&C's as many providers charge for the privilege of using money exchange services.

Here are links to ATM locators: VISA and MasterCard

Here are various information links to VISA: Foreign Exchange Rate FAQ and Visa Exchange Rates

Also please read Martin's article: Spending Overseas and Loading Technicals

Also look at the these forum threads: The Cheapest Way to Spend Overseas Discussion Area and How to buy TCs and foreign currency

LesD

Hee hee, that's three posts 'pin'. Surely it's time your superb analysis got recognised as a 'sticky'?

As regards cash withdrawls in Spain, if you stick to the main banks (the main network is called 'Servired') not only will you get instructions in English, you'll also get a screen which says something along the lines of 'you will be charged €xyz for this transaction'. If xyz isn't zero, you can cancel the transaction.

Victors_Bruvver

LesD wrote: »

Hee hee, that's three posts 'pin'. Surely it's time your superb analysis got recognised as a 'sticky'?

As regards cash withdrawls in Spain, if you stick to the main banks (the main network is called 'Servired') not only will you get instructions in English, you'll also get a screen which says something along the lines of 'you will be charged €xyz for this transaction'. If xyz isn't zero, you can cancel the transaction.

I whole heartily agree you with LesD. Does it need a moderator to make it a sticky? By the way, regarding the ATM in Spain question, I am of the opinion that although the BBVA ATM in Madrid was in English I still think that when I used it earlier this month it said it was going to make a surcharge my account. Are they the exception to the rule perhaps?

pin

Victors_Bruvver wrote: »

I whole heartily agree you with LesD. Does it need a moderator to make it a sticky? By the way, regarding the ATM in Spain question, I am of the opinion that although the BBVA ATM in Madrid was in English I still think that when I used it earlier this month it said it was going to make a surcharge my account. Are they the exception to the rule perhaps?

It used to be a sticky and then got merged into another thread, hence me having to post each time the question gets asked.