Hi - There are a few forum posts from 3-5 years ago on ATM's in the Azores. On a recent visit to Lisbon, I had no issues with a debit card and a 4 digit PIN, which I'll check here at home prior to leaving. Is there anything different about the Azores? Do I need a longer PIN? I assume there are Multibanco ATM's there also?
Posted by
Rhode Island, USA
472 posts
Multibanco ATMs can easily be found on all the Azores islands. The main cities and towns normally have many to choose from, and even the small villages on all the islands have at least one Multibanco ATM. You still need your bank PIN associated with your card that is used at home.
The airports in Ponta Delgada, Sao Miguel and Lajes, Terceira have quite a few Euronet ATM machines, which a visitor definitely should avoid. However, at the Ponta Delgada airport I always use the Santander Multibanco ATM next to the Correio (Post Office) in the terminal. After collecting your luggage, proceed through the automatic doors and turn left. Almost immediately it will be on your left. In Lajes, Terceira the Santander Multibanco ATM is on the top floor, at the far end of the terminal, past the check-in counters. There should also be a Santander Multibanco ATM on the ground floor, near the staircase and self storage lockers.
All other airports, except Corvo, have at least one Multibanco ATM. I have never seen a Euronet ATM in any other airport in the Azores, aside from the two I describe above..
Posted by
OP
NH
42 posts
Good info. Thank you. So if a 4 digit PIN works here in the US, it should be fine in the Azores? A couple of older posts mentioned a 6 digit PIN.
Posted by
Rhode Island, USA
472 posts
In almost 30 years of visiting the Azores, I have never used a six digit PIN at an ATM. It has always been four digits.
If you are not aware, your maximum daily ATM withdrawal will be 400 euros. And the maximum single withdrawal is 200 euros. Therefore, if you want to withdraw 400 euros in one day, you must make two separate withdrawals of 200 euros.
During my latest trips there since 2018 (four times), I almost always used Apple Pay, or occasionally, a credit card. Using euros is generally only needed for taxis, tips, a very small purchase at a market, and maybe at a hot dog cart along the harbor at night in Ponta Delgada. Definitely visit one of the hot dog carts when you are there and order one with EVERYTHING (it will be spicy!)😁.
Posted by
OP
NH
42 posts
Perfect. Hot dogs a definite. Thanks again.
Posted by
Upstate NY
269 posts
I visited both Sao Miguel and Terceira in April. Santander is one of the banks I use here in the states, so I was able to use my atm card with my normal 4 digit pin, and had no atm fee. It was wonderful. I believe I used the same atm that Carl uses at the airport in Ponta Delgada.
Posted by
OP
NH
42 posts
Good to know info. Those are the two islands we are visiting :-)