ATMs, Mastercard or Visa

[dpad]

i havent been to colombia late but just a question, for an atm machine, do they accept on visa debit, or are they like here in the states were they accept both mastercard and visa

I believe the ATM will take anything. I have always used the debit card. I think the fees are higher with a credit card.









"It's one thing to come to the United States to find a better life, It's another thing to come to the United States to commit crimes. Every criminal who is in our country illegally should be deported." - Sheriff L. Baca

[Lostagain]

Nearly all of the ATM's take both Visa and Mastercard debit cards. I have never noticed a difference between Visa and Mastercard in Colombian banks in terms of acceptability. Just get out as much as you can in a single transaction so you avoid the fees charged with each withdrawl. Be careful to put the money in a safe place so you aren't lugging it around, though. And use ATM's in relatively safer areas such as major shopping centers when ever you can.

[NunoEFSilva]

It does not work every time. Might be the card's fault (happened to me once).

In Brazil, if you go in a 'Banco do Brasil' counter, only one of the ATMs (usually the one with the biggest waiting line - Murphy's Law) will recognize your VISA or MasterCard.

Besides debit, one can also make 'cash advance' with a credit card.

Also any card should be well hidden in your person. See security topics on Brazilian Travel Guides for more on money and cards.

Nuno

[Tim413]

Hi dpad,

It also helps to contact your bank/cedit card company telling them where you are going and the dates you will be their. Then, the bank/credit card company can make a note on your account, so when you use your atm/credit card, the bank/credit card company will let it go through.

Tim

[GrizGator]

I agree with Tim. If you go out of the country, call the CC, ATM, and debit card companies and let them know when and where you are going. That way your account won't get "flagged" by security.

Generally, I've had good luck with ATM machines in Colombia. At first, I found a few machines that did not accept my ATM card, but they always accepted by debit card. Obviously, getting a credit card advance is OK in an emergency, but why pay the fee and start accumulating interest?

Also, if you use a credit card overseas, definitely find a card that does NOT charge you a foreign exchange fee. I got a Capital One visa card only because they do not charge me a fee on international transactions.

Originally Posted by tim413

Hi dpad,

It also helps to contact your bank/cedit card company telling them where you are going and the dates you will be their. Then, the bank/credit card company can make a note on your account, so when you use your atm/credit card, the bank/credit card company will let it go through.

Tim