ATM's out of order as from May 23 in Belgium
May 19th, 2000, 04:12 AM
#1
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ATM's out of order as from May 23 in Belgium
Just like in France, Belgian bank unions have announced to go on strike as from Tuesday next May 23. <BR>As a result ATM terminals for collecting cash will be out of order, but also the small credit card terminals in shops, restaurants, etc. <BR>
May 19th, 2000, 04:26 AM
#2
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Geez, I give up! <BR> <BR>I leave Monday for Brussels and then to Paris on the 25th! Sounds like I won't be able to get money anywhere! I am just hoping that no one else goes on strike and that the airport in Brussels stays open. <BR> <BR>Fortunately I am meeting someone in Belgium, so they can get money for me before I arrive <BR> <BR> <BR>Please keep us posted and thank you for the information
May 19th, 2000, 06:28 AM
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Alex, I'm in the same boat. I head to Belgium today and France next Wednesday. The branch in my building ran out of FF before I could get any yesterday, so I guess I better go on the hunt. The exchange rate you get over here is horrible! Thomas Cook is about 10% of the interbank rate!
May 19th, 2000, 07:15 AM
#4
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Brian, <BR> <BR>You're not kidding about the exchange rate. I just got some money and it is 6.8 FF to the dollar. Oh well, I don't have a choice. Fortunately I work for a bank, so I don't pay commission. Unfortunately, the didn't have any Belgian Francs in stock, but since I land on the 23rd, I am hoping I will be OK. <BR> <BR>Have a great trip!
May 19th, 2000, 09:00 AM
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Wow. That situation sounds scary. I just returned from Belgium on Thurs. and didn't hear any news of that while we were there. I did find that I was unable to withdraw any cash with my ATM card that isn't back by VISA. It is from a credit union and has the Plus system symbol, but even the machines that had the symbol would not work. Can you bring US dollars or travels checks and change just at a bank there? Or does that mean the banks are completely shutting down?
May 19th, 2000, 11:57 AM
#6
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Alex, after a few phone calls, I located about $200 in FF at about the same rate you got FF6.83 (I also work for a bank so no commision). And thank goodness, they had small bills. Many branches were out (of course, none of them new why - hadn't heard of the strike). <BR> <BR>Can't wait to meet people on the plane over who haven't heard about the strike. Boy do I have some interesting news for them! <BR> <BR>I can't
May 20th, 2000, 02:28 AM
#7
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Elizabeth, <BR>The banks are not completely shutting down, because it's not the bank employees or the bank courriers that go on strike but the employees of the ATM operating company (Banksys). This Banksys has joined another partner whose working conditions are different and the employees disagree to accept the new working conditions. <BR>Regarding getting cash, you can bring US$, traveller cheques or any other currency, you go to the "change" counter at any bank (Belgium has banks on every sreetcorner). You will have to pay ?% commission. <BR> <BR>For the other posters, the unions and the bank are having a "reconciliation meeting" on Monday 22nd and it is only when no agreement can be made, that "actions" will take place. <BR>
