money in spain

I'll just add that, in addition to letting BoA know in which countries you'll be using your card, also ask them to raise your daily withdrawal limit. That way, you'll be able to account for the exchange rate and get more cash than you normally might in a single ATM visit. As for skimmers, they exist and there's always the potential for trouble on your machine, even inside bank lobbies. Just get in the habit of giving the apparatus where you scan your card a good pull before swiping your card. Skimmers aren't permanently attached. If one's there, it will come off when pulled/yanked. Also, cover the keypad with your free hand as you type your PIN number – disallows anyone or anything (camera) from seeing what you're typing. Just a couple of easy steps you can take, even at home. Chances of your machine having a skimmer are slim.

Not sure where you are hearing these stories, but they aren't true, at least not as some huge crime wave. ATM cards cannot be scanned remotely. It is possible to do that to a pass-pay type of card, but even that is very, very rare and unlikely. There are scanners that can be attached to an ATM machine that will steal your ATM card info. Again, rare but something to be aware of. Using an ATM attached to a bank or in its lobby is a way to avoid that from happening. Pick pockets are a real threat and all valuables should be kept in a money-belt or similar secure system (neck pouches, pacsafe purse...). ATM cards do get "eaten" sometimes, but rarely. We always recommend a backup card. Another reason to use a bank ATM, if eaten, just go inside and they can retrieve it for you. Your B of A card will work just fine. But you may pay up to 5% in fees. For a long stay, definitely get a credit union or money market checking account that charges no or very few fees (1-2%). There are many threads here about them.

Yes your Bank of America card will work. You will have to advise them that you are going abroad. We always scan our passport, credit cards and bank cards and send them to our email so we can access the numbers if we have to report a problem. You can check BofA site for overseas banking as some banks have partners in a country and if you use that bank you may not be charged the fee. Always bring a second card and a credit card. If you are not wearing a money belt get a good purse with a cross strap and with lots of zippers. We have safety pinned ours in sketchy areas. I also split my money keeping the smaller money more easily accessible. My daughter when living there liked a coin purse as the Euro uses more coins than paper money.

For me, Bank of America would be out of the question because they charge so much for foreign ATM withdrawals. You might find a better deal if you shop around at your local credit unions. No bank-associated ATM in Europe will charge you a fee like you would pay here for using another network's ATM, but but BoA will charge you a lot on their end (3% or more for every withdrawal). Credit unions often charge 1%, and some, like the one I use, charge nothing. As the others have said, the keys to using your ATM card in Europe is to notify your bank of your travels, know how many euros your daily limit translates to ($500 is not 500 euros), and always use bank-associated ATMs.

Any VISA or Mastercard branded debit card will work in Spain just as easy as in the US. The BofA will work equal well in Spain. Where are you getting your horror stories? Know of no problem that is specifically related to Spain. Any card can be stolen if you are not smart enough to those cards in locations which are hard you to access. Remember if it is easy for you to get to the card, then it is easy for someone else. Some type of a money belt is a good idea.

One big ATM scam in Europe involves modifying machines with card readers and a tiny camera (smaller than a button directly above the number pad) to film your pin. Most machines warn you to cover your hand when you type in your pin. It's a good idea to get into the habit. To avoid this scam, I try to use indoor ATM's at bank branches that can't be easily messed with by criminals. The other scams I can think of relate to people either crowding you or offering to help you conduct your transaction. If you don't feel you have sufficient privacy - skip that ATM and find another.

I used my Wells Fargo Visa debit card. I had my daily limit raised to $1000 and they charged $5 per transaction. I used cash to pay for everything, including hotels. If you use the card for purchases, the fee goes up to 3%.