Atm info needed

[ald07]

Ok fellas ...... I'm a four day countdown to Cali and I'm about to blow a gasket due to excitement.  I plan on using two atm cards for cash and I just want to verify which systems the Colombian atms use.  My cards are on the Plus  Interlink Star   and Co-op network.  Which sytems are used down there....

Thanks

[DavidMN]

... in response to Atm info needed, posted by ald07 on Oct 20, 2003

In addition to the comments already posted - you might want to call your bank(s) that issue the DR/CR cards and let them know about the trip. Five minutes of phone time might save you a big hassle with a small vendor in Colombia in the event you were temporarily declined.

Also, I fill out the form on the website of the U.S. embassy to Colombia. It lets them know how to reach you and who to contact in an emergency. Will it help if you get in trouble? Maybe not...but I do it because my Spanish is elementary and it could be of benefit in a medical emergency.

David

[Pete E]

... in response to Atm info needed, posted by ald07 on Oct 20, 2003

They have interlink and cirrus and alot of others.There is a whole list of systems the ATM is compatable with on the ATM.
I suggest using ATMs in one of he big malls,like Chipi Chapi or Unicentro.Not only is it much safer,there are so many police and soldiers in the mall,but each mall will have maybe 6 ATM locations,most right outside a bank.They don't always work all the time.You can just go to the next one untill you find one that works.
The first time I went I took travelers checks.What a hassle,you had to stand in line a half hour at the bank to cash them.Usually they would only do it in the morning.And you get a bad exchange rate.The next time I was a little leary of depending entirely on ATMs but never had a problem.I took a little cash also,just in case.
Its also good to have at least 2 atm cards.Even credit card cash advances are a back up,but it best to avoid the big cash advance fee,2-3%.Sometimes your bank will see all this activity out of Colombia and freeze the account.Last time I went I left a message on my voice mail I would be out of the country for a month.A bank did call questioning charges,but hearing my outgoing message did not freeze the account.

Pete

[Kiltboy1]

... in response to Atm info needed, posted by ald07 on Oct 20, 2003

Hi

The plus interlink and cirrus all work in cali. ATM'S are everywhere called CAJEROS  . Have a blast and give us a nice report when finished.

Andy

[HeyNow]

... in response to Re: Atm info needed, posted by Kiltboy1 on Oct 20, 2003

Call your bank befor you leave to get a phone number to reach them overseas.  I haven't had to use the number but, it is good to have it just in case.