Problem with ATM withdrawal

Jamie · #1 (**permalink**) 12-20-2006, 06:27 PM

After you max out your daily ATM withdrawal it is not unusual for 2-3 days to go by before the Colombian bank system recognizes another day has gone by which would allow you to max out for that day. These delays usually happen when you have Monday holidays, which seem like half the year in Colombia. However this time I am now on my 7th day and unable to withdraw money from my U.S account because the system does not recognize it as another day. Now my bank can’t help me because they say the problem is in Colombia and of course no one in Colombia is going to be able to help you because that would require problem solving and they do not do that here. Is anyone having a like problem in Colombia over the last week?

Also if one is bringing a new ATM card to Colombia it may take many weeks before Colombia recognize that card in their system. When I got a new card for the same bank account I was not able to withdraw money from any ATM accept from the issuing bank for at least 3-4 weeks.

Tinto · #2 (**permalink**) 12-20-2006, 07:56 PM

Jamie,

I've never had that problem of having to wait more than one day to withdraw more cash at an ATM after my limit was reached. About the only problem I've encountered is that the ATM ran out of money so had to find another one. Have you tried other bank's ATMs to see if they worked or maybe standing in those short quick lines waiting for the friendly smiling tellers to assist you?

If things are getting tight I can always loan you some cash as I'll be in your next of the woods very soon. How much you need?

Lostagain · #3 (**permalink**) 12-21-2006, 09:56 AM

I've never had that problem either. In fact, I didn't even know that it was an issue involving the Colombian banks. I always thought it was the bank where the account was maintained that put the time limit on withdrawls. Jamie, thanks for the heads up on this.

Bueller · #4 (**permalink**) 12-21-2006, 04:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tinto

If things are getting tight I can always loan you some cash as I'll be in your next of the woods very soon. How much you need?

Tinto, I'm a little short until payday. Will you be in my neck of the woods anytime soon?

Tinto · #5 (**permalink**) 12-21-2006, 04:12 PM

As a matter of fact, I think I will be in your neck of the woods soon but as far as lending you some hard earned scratch that depends on how much, how skinny my wallet is after Jamie and most importantly, the interest rate; let's say somewhere around the 5% or even better yet, 5.3%*!

* 5% ~ Murphy's Irish Red & Asahi

5.3% ~ Negro Modelo wins. Gotta love those Costenas!

Better bring a case.

Tinto · #6 (**permalink**) 12-21-2006, 05:52 PM

Eeks! I should have said NegrA Modelo. Amazing how one little letter changes things in Spanish!

Jamie · #7 (**permalink**) 12-22-2006, 01:11 PM

Tinto thanks for the $100.000.000 loan

The problem I am having was applying to all ATM’s. This morning I tried again at a non client bank and could not withdraw any money. Someone recommend an international bank and I was just going to use my credit card to withdraw money at the teller window but they said their system was down and to come back Tuesday. A friend suggested I use this bank’s ATM which I thought would be a waste of time but I gave it a try and it allowed me to withdraw money. The maximum a non client bank would allow but only about 20% of what my bank would give me on a daily basis plus I am charged an extra fee. So I thought good my bank should now be allowing me to withdraw money but no go. The lesson here is things often don’t work in Colombia. It would be best to get your money out early and have extra when you visit in case you run into the situation where you need money and can’t get it out.