Alternative to banks?

kernow62 says on Jul 13, 2005, 12:38:

Yes, but why not use ATMs? Do you not have a bank account?

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ltnadonis says on Jul 13, 2005, 13:00:

use atm and credit cards I just returned and the exchange rate from using by atm card and credit cards for all my purchases/withdrawals beat any casa de cambio by atleast 700p per U.S. dollar.

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ColombiaBoard says on Jul 13, 2005, 19:24:

Travellers Checks? only banks and a few stores accept them, otherwise stick to your debit/credit card or change cash at Casas de Cambio or Banks (a big hassle...)

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Brian858 says on Jul 13, 2005, 19:50:

Citibank in Colombia - No Fees I use citibank for ATM in Colombia. They don't charge any fee. You can withdraw from any of these cities:

* Barranquilla
* Bogota
* Bucaramanga
* Cali
* Cartagena
* Medellin

Last week I was getting 300k pesos for $130.00/US dollars.

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2retirensa says on Jul 14, 2005, 05:05:

Fees or No Fees - Depends Whether or not someone pays an atm fee with Citi (or most other banks) depends on the type of account they have. If you have a basic account, the fee is $1.50. There are other accounts with certain minimum requirements that allow a certain # of withdrawals at no charge, or all at no charge.
I just opened a Citi acct. and see on their disclosure that they are charging a 1% transaction fee on all foreign atm withdrawals- the atm card has the Mastercard logo. My Regions account does not charge a transaction fee and it is a Visa logo.
READ your disclosures when you open an account. I specifically asked before opening my acct if there was a transaction (conversion) fee for foreign ATMs and the rep told me NO. They really don't know what they are "selling"; it appears they have limited experience with international transactions.
Someone, somehow will get you coming or going!!
Maureen

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zephyr1957 says on Jul 14, 2005, 16:19:

well, I have a bank account let's say for some reason I leave a minimum there, can I change them Travelers at a good rate elsewhere than banks?

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kernow62 says on Jul 14, 2005, 19:25:

I don't think you will get a good rate. That is one of the primary reasons why people are suggesting ATM or some credit cards. Not just for the convenience of being more widely accepted.

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Gator says on Jul 14, 2005, 19:34:

If You MUST Take... travelers checks take say 200 USD and tuck that away for an emergency situation-very difficult to cash and exchange rate is horrible.

"Bene, cum Latine nescias, nolo manus meas in te maculare" .

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zephyr1957 says on Jul 15, 2005, 07:40:

thanks.. I get the picture

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