Whats the best way to carry and get cash in South America? Would it be possible to use an ATM card from Ireland/UK? Any safety tips???
Having travelled alot I'd say its like most places, like no flashing the cash, only carry small amounts at time, take out money your going to need during the day etc.........
But please feel free to offer any tips??????
Gracias....
Reply to this Basically it's just common sense about not flashing money. Try and take a friend to ATMs and don't go after dark - taking a money belt is always a good idea to keep money hidden. I used a UK card which worked fine - Banco del Pichincha (Ecuador) and Banco del Pacifico (Bolviai/Peru) don't charge for withdrawals so they are good ones to use. I found it quite easy to find ATMs although it's always good to be aware of places that don't have them, and travellers cheques are often more trouble than they're worth finding a place to change them at a decent exchange rate.
Reply to this So check the good old "lonely planet" to see if the next town has an ATM. Think I can handle that. Was thinking a money belt 4 travelling during dark hours... As during the day I will just be carrying enough to get by..
The old phrase " dont carry more than you can afford to loose" eh??
Reply to this Also be aware that some ATMs won't necessarily allow you to withdraw boundless amounts of cash - I haven't found an ATM yet in Ushuaia (Argentina) that will allow me to withdraw more than 300 pesos per day, though I didn't have that issue in Buenos Aires (no doubt different banks). Though 300 pesos (i.e. very roughly $100) might sound a lot, it isn't if, say, you're trying to buy a plane ticket.
Reply to this Also check Lonely Planet to see if there is a currency parallel market -- currently there is in Venezuela (which I've checked as I'll be there in June) and you can get about double the official rate by bringing cash ($ or Euros) whereas you will only get the official rate from using an ATM.
KST
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