I am visiting Cabarete in October. This is the first time I've left the country (from U.S.) since I was like 12 so I dont know a lot about travel. My question is, do they have ATM's in the DR that connect to U.S. bank accounts? I dont feel comfortable carrying around all the cash I'll need and I'm not too familiar with traveler's checks.
- Thread starter hyundridz
- Start date
ATM's?
G
gary short
Guest
hyundridz said:
YES............no worries......if you're just going for a couple three weeks..credit cards, ATM cards are hunky dory.
It's not exactly no worries.
It would be good to double check with your bank that your ATM card works in the DR, and you have to be a bit careful of scams, so it is suggested that you use ATMs during banking hours.
You can use the search feature to look up stories about ATMs in this country and some of the frauds.
It would be good to double check with your bank that your ATM card works in the DR, and you have to be a bit careful of scams, so it is suggested that you use ATMs during banking hours.
You can use the search feature to look up stories about ATMs in this country and some of the frauds.
Also notify your credit card company that you are traveling to the DR. If you don't there is a good possibility that they will turn your card off after its first use. They may still turn it off even if notified but your chances are better if you notify them. I speak from experience on this in the DR.
Bob K
Bob K
Great advice Bob - had the same problem on one of my trips - very frustrating and hard to solve the problem once you are here...tomBob K said:
I think this will varely greatly by bank and by what plan you are on with your bank. Inquire at your local branch and they will be able to inform you on the charges based on the banking plan you currently use...tomAvrora said:
The best advise you'll ever get is "F" the ATM card, bring American Express Travelers Checks!
The banks in the DR do not play by the same rules as they do in the USA!
The banks in the DR do not play by the same rules as they do in the USA!
Banco Central is not a retail bank and does not have ATM's. That is the equivalent to the Federal Reserve.
Are you referring to Ban Reservas?
Are you referring to Ban Reservas?
Are you referring to Banco Leon by any chance?
At least get the names correct when you randomly recommend banks, and why are you recommending them?
At least get the names correct when you randomly recommend banks, and why are you recommending them?
I usually like using BancReservas ATM as it requires the card to only be swiped rather than inserted. This eliminates the possibility of eating the card. But, I had an experience with the machine saying "Transaction canceled" when I was withdrawing 5,000 pesos. When I checked the my balance, the 5,000 was indeed deducted. They made good on returning the money, but I had to wait 8 business days.Tamborista said:
I prefer to go inside the bank when making a sizeable withdrawal from my US based account.
I use my ATM card at the teller and incur no fee from my stateside bank. This eliminates the fear of my ATM card being eaten or copied.
I use my ATM card at the teller and incur no fee from my stateside bank. This eliminates the fear of my ATM card being eaten or copied.
I bank with Citibank here in NYC. I have never ever EVER had any problems with ATM machines in the DR. I am in the DR every three to 4 months. I ALWAYS use BancoPopular for my withdrawals. Used Banco De Leon once and Banco BHD once. But all the other times it's been with BancoPopular.
After I make my withdrawals I sign on to citibank.com to check if the amount debited is the correct amount and it always has been.
Like Tamborista said if you are going to withdraw a hefty sum go into the bank. Don't use the ATM. All you will need is the bank card and your passport.
That is my experience with ATMs. Maybe I'm lucky or something.
But definately like others have said check with your bank and notify them that you will be making withdrawals in the DR.
Good luck and keep us posted.
After I make my withdrawals I sign on to citibank.com to check if the amount debited is the correct amount and it always has been.
Like Tamborista said if you are going to withdraw a hefty sum go into the bank. Don't use the ATM. All you will need is the bank card and your passport.
That is my experience with ATMs. Maybe I'm lucky or something.
But definately like others have said check with your bank and notify them that you will be making withdrawals in the DR.
Good luck and keep us posted.
To the OP: There is a Banco Popular at one end of Cabarete, a BHD in the middle, and a Scotia Bank at the other end... all within walking distance of each other, all reliable. Ive never had a problem at any of them... or anywhere in the country for that matter... Many US Banks charge no fee to use other banks ATM's and the Banks here dont charge a fee (that's usually where you get charged in the US... the *other* bank). If you use your credit card instead of your ATM card, for a cash advance you will likely be charged a 1-3% transaction fee.