Banking

Due to the modernization of banking, dealing with money on the Camino has never been easier. The US is now on board with the rest of the world in issuing “chip and pin” enabled bank cards that were the accepted standard. Most bank and credit cards will work along the Camino, but it is a good idea to have cash on hand just in case.

Take full advantage of any apps or smartphone tools your bank or credit card issuer may have. Being able to monitor your balances, make payments and move monies about as needed add a measure of flexibility that can be very comforting while traveling.

Be certain to notify your bank or credit card of your travel activities.

ATM

Is is fairly easy to find ATM services along the way. How much you remove is up to you, but due to fees associated with foreign transaction withdraws, it is worth limiting them to a couple per week.

If you are tempted to bring large amounts of US, or other, currency to exchange, please reconsider. There are few to no available exchange services and the rates at the airport are typically quite bad for the consumer. Use the ATM and make life easier.

Extra Cards

As you will be on the road for weeks, perhaps months, emergencies and accidents can happen. Having extra bank and credit cards are a very good idea. Keep your spare cards separate, but on your person if at all possible. One in your pocket and one hidden in a close to the body style travel pouch is one of many options. However you choose to secure your cards, be cautious of reveling where you are hiding them when in groups of people you may not know.

Inquire with your bank about the possibility of a second card on any account you may have. If you lose one and have the second as your backup, stopping service on the lost card but having access to the account from the second card can make what used to be a nightmare of phone calls into a minor annoyance dealt with on the bank’s app.