When I went to Paris I used a BNP Paribus ATM to withdrawn Euro's and I believe I was treated fairly using the local currency. I am going to Spain and Portugal in a few days but it seems BNP is not in Spain, or at least in ATM's from what I can see. I understand I should not use Euronet. Is there any good machines to use at the MAD airport or perhaps any in the Gran Via area? I'm just not familiar with any of the banks. Thank you.
Posted by
Mid-Atlantic area
7157 posts
I use Deutsche Bank since it’s a partner bank of Bank of America. The one I used on my last visit was at C. de Alberto Aguilera, 1. It’s about a mile from the Gran Vía.
There are some (Banco de) Santander ATMs along the Gran Vía near the Plaza de España and there’s one near the Puerta Del Sol. There are also some BBVA ATMs around.
Posted by
Eastern Iowa, USA
8058 posts
Be less concerned about what bank, doing an ATM transaction (as long as you decline DCC), you always get the same "rate" conversion rates do not vary, that is set by your card network. You will however see a fee for using the ATM often in Spain, I have seen anywhere from a few euro, up to seven euro at a Santander ATM, but also some no fee ATMs. Just try a few, if you see a fee, cancel out, go to a different bank. However, in the end, if you have to pay 2-3 euros to get some cash, for one or two transactions of your trip, that is not a deal breaker.
If you are not familiar with DCC, educate yourself on that.
Posted by
Huntsville, AL, USA
8319 posts
When traveling, I try to use only bank ATM's--located in front of bank offices.
Travelex, American Express and other non-bank ATMs hit you up with high service charges and/or bad exchange rates. I can usually find a bank ATM in most airports and train stations.
I really use my Visa account for just about all purchases, hotels and car rentals except walking around cash. And in a 2 week trip, I may only go through $100 or $200 in cash withdrawals.