Pristine $ bills?
Nov 13th, 2007, 02:41 PM
#2
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Moremiles-
I just got an email from someone who is in SR today. She said ATMs dispense perfectly fine 20's. She also said to bring $50-$100 in ones and yes, to make sure they are perfect.
Last time I was in SR I had a $20 with a small tear and no one would take it!
I just got an email from someone who is in SR today. She said ATMs dispense perfectly fine 20's. She also said to bring $50-$100 in ones and yes, to make sure they are perfect.
Last time I was in SR I had a $20 with a small tear and no one would take it!
Nov 13th, 2007, 02:57 PM
#3
We got nice bills from the ATM- 5's, 10's and 20's! No choice in the variety, but it was interesting to not get just $20's.
And no, they won't take bills with even small rips or punctures.
I took about $100 in 1's and a few hundred in 5's, in addition to larger bills and used all of it.
Since there was no fee and no currency exchange surcharge when using the ATM, I used cash everywhere instead of credit cards- even paid my hotel bill in cash. Of course you can only get what your bank allows each day, so I used two ATM cards and did multiple withdrawals.
And no, they won't take bills with even small rips or punctures.
I took about $100 in 1's and a few hundred in 5's, in addition to larger bills and used all of it.
Since there was no fee and no currency exchange surcharge when using the ATM, I used cash everywhere instead of credit cards- even paid my hotel bill in cash. Of course you can only get what your bank allows each day, so I used two ATM cards and did multiple withdrawals.
Nov 13th, 2007, 03:49 PM
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lcuy-your bank did not tack on a fee for using an ATM in Cambodia? Do you think that's a function of your bank or the ATM there? I know my bank (Citibank) would certainly add on their 3% "foreign exchange/non citibank ATM fee" 
Nov 13th, 2007, 04:59 PM
#6
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Because the ATM's in Cambodia dispense US Dollars, there is no exchange fee, just a $2 fee to use the ATM. I used my B of A card to get some cash last week, and they usually tack on $5 + 1% but I didn't get charged anything in Cambodia.
Nov 19th, 2007, 04:18 PM
#13
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Don't assume that your bank won't charge a fee to use your ATM in REP even if you get US$, it depends upon the US bank.
Washington Mutual charges a 3% fee on ATM withdrawals even if the withdrawal is in US $. I asked the manager of our branch.
So, call your bank's manager & ask before you assume you will be as lucky. Getting a cash advance on a credit card involves finance charges that accrue from the first day you get the cash... at whatever loan shark type rates your MC or Visa card company charges.
So, sometimes, it's better to take AMEX traveler's checks & go to a money changer that your licensed guide recommends. My guide just emailed that he uses Huy Khaung Changer in REP who charges 1% to change AMEX T.C. into US $.
For AMEX TCs into US $, all REP banks charge 2% & RAFFLES charges 3%. The Victoria charges 1% for its guests.
Washington Mutual charges a 3% fee on ATM withdrawals even if the withdrawal is in US $. I asked the manager of our branch.
So, call your bank's manager & ask before you assume you will be as lucky. Getting a cash advance on a credit card involves finance charges that accrue from the first day you get the cash... at whatever loan shark type rates your MC or Visa card company charges.
So, sometimes, it's better to take AMEX traveler's checks & go to a money changer that your licensed guide recommends. My guide just emailed that he uses Huy Khaung Changer in REP who charges 1% to change AMEX T.C. into US $.
For AMEX TCs into US $, all REP banks charge 2% & RAFFLES charges 3%. The Victoria charges 1% for its guests.
