How do I use an ATM/Bank Machine/ Interact in Canada? (I'm from England)

Question

I have been having some serious issues using the ATMS over here,

Any other travellers had problems in the past?

The machines keep saying something about communication problems with my finacial institution or just that they are unable to complete tht etransaction.

I've checked and I have money in my account, I just can't seem to access it, and now i'm over here with no Cash!

HELP!!!!

Answer 1

Hello there.  I'm sorry that you're having a tough time with this.  I'm actually from New York and when I was in Ireland a couple of years ago, my debit card would not work at the banks where it was supposed to work.  I kept trying and trying and trying, to no avail.  When I got back to the US, I learned from my bank that I was supposed to have called them to tell them that I would be using my card outside the country (this was to prevent fraud) and that by repeatedly using the card at the same location, they blocked it.  So I would recommend that you contact your bank to let them know you're in Canada and that you need to use your card.  Maybe your bank will have a branch in Canada as well.  I would say many British banks would.  I wish you luck.  

In the US, we call a "current account" a "checking account".

Answer 2

Have you tried gonig to the banks and asking them for advice?  Banks like TD Canada Trust are open late hours (8am-8pm for most locations), so you should be able to ask them for advice.

Try selecting Chequing account if you're in doubt - whenever I went to europe or asia, that was the only selection that I could retrieve funds from. (so i'm thinking its the same in Canada for foreign accounts)

Or try this... some Walmart stores allow you to take out a cash advance.  try buying something at the store with your card, and take out the money that way.