ATM Access

jackquontee · #1 11-19-2005, 05:44 AM

During my last two trips to the Northcoast I've had a couple of miserable experiences that I've not yet been able to figure out. When I was their in July, I used my ATM card and had no problems. While there in September, I attempted to use my ATM card and was denied access. The machine kept saying that the card was invalid, and this happened no matter which machine I used. I contacted my bank and they said that there was no hold or restrictions placed on the card, so there shouldn't be a problem. Fortunately, I was bailed out (figuratively speaking) by Mr. Escott, otherwise I would have had to limit my activities to simply eating at some higher end restaurants in order to use a credit card.

In any event, I assumed that maybe after visiting in July and using the ATM card, I may have become a victim of one of the scams associated with ATM card use, though I hadn't noticed any unauthorized charges on my bank statement after my return. I contacted my bank, had them cancel the existing card and issue another in its place.

Well, after arriving this past month, I attempted to use the card again, to no avail, as the machine continued to indicate that the card was invalid. This caused me to wonder whether or not the banks there put some kind of restriction on the use of one's card if they feel you are withdrawing too much money.

Has anyone else had similar experiences, or aware of others who have had similar experiences? This could certainly make for miserable trips in the future if I cannot figure this out and get it fixed.

Chris · #2 11-19-2005, 07:59 AM

Our experience is that all fraud protection systems go into overdrive if you use your US credit cards in the DR. We always call our credit card company to pre-clear larger transactions. I don't mind the additional fraud protection.

We've not had problems at ATM's but then we use them very seldom. If you're planning to be here frequently, it really is much easier to have a bank account here - transfer funds before you come or get traveller's checks and deposit them when you come and work on more of a cash basis for meals and smaller purchases. Or with your bank account, get a DR issued credit card.

HOWMAR · #3 11-19-2005, 09:37 AM

Are you sure that your bank at home is still on the network of the ATM you used in the DR. This happened to me when my bank changed from the PLUS network to the NYCE network. Check the emblem on the back of the card. Just because it is a VISA or MC doesn't mean it will work. Check the emblem on the back of the card.

jackquontee · #4 11-19-2005, 12:34 PM

Chris, I've not had any problems with my credit cards, although I seldom use them. It's been with my VISA check card, which I have always used for ATM services at home and abroad, and didn't have any problems with until my trip in September. However, now that I think about it, it was about the time prior to that that the Bank of America bought out Fleet bank, with whom I used to bank. Maybe I'll contact BofA as I do recall that when they had the change over, those of us who had Money Market accounts were told that if we had automatic payments set up online that the change over would not interfere with them in any way. Well, I found out the following month when my kids' mothers contacted me crying about their child support checks that it was, in fact, not true.

Howmar, there is no emblem on the back of my card other than the BofA symbol.. However, I may have the problem figured out (see comments above).

Thanks folks.

TimInDR · #5 11-19-2005, 03:55 PM

I use my Suntrust debit card all the time down here. I've only had trouble at the CitiBank ATMs in Santo Domingo.

Otherwise, no problems, fraud, etc.

jackquontee · #6 11-19-2005, 05:53 PM

I contacted my bank and they said there is no problem on their end. I have another card that is strictly for ATM access and I'll try it on my next trip. I think I might stop into one of the Dominican banks as well and see if they might be able to explain the problem. I also have another option that I can use to insure that I'll have money (outside of what I bring) while there, and I may have to go that route. It's just always a pain in the neck to have to work outside of traditional methods.

Ken · #7 11-19-2005, 08:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jackquontee

I contacted my bank and they said there is no problem on their end. I have another card that is strictly for ATM access and I'll try it on my next trip. I think I might stop into one of the Dominican banks as well and see if they might be able to explain the problem. I also have another option that I can use to insure that I'll have money (outside of what I bring) while there, and I may have to go that route. It's just always a pain in the neck to have to work outside of traditional methods.

Jack, since you are planning to live here at least part of the year, I recommend that you make arrangements with one of the bancos de cambio to take your personal checks. That is what I do and so do a number of other expats that I know. That way the money stays in your US bank account, you pay no ATM fees, and the banco de cambio changes the check just like he would dollars.

jackquontee · #8 11-19-2005, 09:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ken

Jack, since you are planning to live here at least part of the year, I recommend that you make arrangements with one of the bancos de cambio to take your personal checks. That is what I do and so do a number of other expats that I know. That way the money stays in your US bank account, you pay no ATM fees, and the banco de cambio changes the check just like he would dollars.

Unfortunately, I don't plan to do any living there just yet, though I do plan to travel there quite a bit for a while.

However, I do like what you've proposed. How do I go about accomplishing this? Do I simply find a banco de cambio and approach them with my request? And do you think it would be easier once I own a home and can show them proof of ownership?

Potato_Salad · #9 11-20-2005, 12:05 AM

For those of you who are using your debit card to make withdrawals in the DR, call your bank and ask what fees will be applied whenever you make a withdrawal.

The fee differs from bank to bank.

Tor · #10 11-20-2005, 12:51 PM

There can be something physical wrong with the card. There is a code on the magnethic strip, that allows you to use the card abroad. If that code is destroyed you will not be able to use the card abroad. This happened to me once. The card funcktioned in my home country, but not abroad and the Bank had to issue a new card to me.