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how to change Money in Colombia ? can I use an ATM Machine - or Creditcard?

as I am planning to travel to Colombia for several Months, I would like to know, if I can use my "Maestro-Bankcard" or my Mastercard on ATM ? Or do I have to use Travellerchecks? Cash Money, I do not want to have with me too much !

By Brasilieiro on Apr 6, 2007, 00:09 in Friendly Talkzone.

Miguel says on Apr 6, 2007, 00:57:

Debit/credit card All you need is plastic; make sure to notify your bank about your trip in advance. Read previous threads here about personal safety when using an ATM.

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jaramillo says on Apr 6, 2007, 05:33:

I can only emphasize Miguel's advice Notify your bank! If they see a lot of unusual transactions in a foreign place they often freeze the account until they find out what's going on. You do not want an ATM to reject you request or swallow your card.

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ColombianoGringo (Moderator) (Trustee board) says on Apr 6, 2007, 07:02:

Don't use Money Exchange Places The "casas de cambio" give you terrible exchange rates and charge a commission on top of that.

However, you may consider opening an account specifically for use in Colombia. ATM transactions usually give a good exchange rate, but many banks charge transaction fees as high as 3%. There are few online banks such as E-trade and HSBC that charge much lower fees.

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