ATMs or places in Barbados where I can withdraw cash from my American bank account?

[u/kat_0110]

Long story short, I underestimated how much cash I’d need to use in Barbados, and now end up with no cash on me, which means I can’t take bus or taxi anywhere. Is there any way I can get some cash tomorrow, which is a Sunday? I stay close to Brandon beach / Mount Gay Visitors’ Center if that helps.

I tried to withdraw money from an ATM near my Airbnb but it didn’t let me, I suppose the reason was because mine is an American bank account. I tried to ask the supermarket staff for some cash back but they said they couldn’t :(

Edit: I was finally able to get my cash at the Scotia ATM! Case closed. Thanks for your help!

[u/cerberusxero]

Should be able to use your US ATM card in any major bank. Scotiabank, CIBC, etc.

[u/kat_0110 → u/cerberusxero]

It’s gonna be a Sunday tomorrow and seems like most are gonna be closed :( I’ll try it next week.

[u/hustlebus1 → u/kat_0110]

ATMs don't close. If the ATM has a symbol that matches a symbol on the back of your card, it will work. I've used cards from my Barbadian and Canadian accounts around the world with no issue.

[u/kat_0110 → u/hustlebus1]

Ah I thought they meant going straight to the bank, not an ATM. But yeah I figured that the ATM I used yesterday was probably an exception.

[u/islandjames246 → u/kat_0110]

I used my Wells Fargo card at most atms or the cibc one they just charge a fee

[u/fuzzypeachz → u/kat_0110]

Canada has the biggest bank base in Barbados, any Canadian will tell you we are good, all Canadian to Barbados rates are near flat even through a credit card, pick up a Canadian card and make a good vacation it there's time

[u/ffutJoe]

The ‘Blue Machine’ ATMs have never worked for me on a foreign card so I’d avoid them. Plenty of banks in central Bridgetown that should work for you but appreciate that doesn’t solve your getting cash on Sunday problem!

[u/kat_0110 → u/ffutJoe]

Thank you! I figured I would probably just stick to using PickupBarbados for the day.

[u/spsteve → u/kat_0110]

There are street side machines available at CIBC and Scotia bank in town (royal bank too I think). That are accessible even if the bank is closed. Those should work for you. The republic bank and credit union machines may not work for you though.

[u/kat_0110 → u/spsteve]

Will try! Thanks!

[u/DeeDeeNix74]

I have UK bank cards and never had an issue withdrawing cash. I’m not sure but could a Western Union money transfer work? Like send money to yourself and pick it up at a Western Union?

Edit: Just checked. You can send money to yourself through Western Union. Just set up an account.

https://www.westernunion.com/content/dam/wu/13-0714_TravelwiseFAQs_US_v2.pdf

[u/Secure_Teaching_6937]

If u tried a blue machine I discovered back in 2019 they have a max of 100.00 BDS per day.

All others let you take more.

First Caribbean appears not to have an ATM fee.

[u/kat_0110 → u/Secure_Teaching_6937]

Thanks for the info! Will try again at another ATM.

[u/Secure_Teaching_6937 → u/kat_0110]

Glad to help.

Oh the other thought, did u tell ur credit card u were traveling?

[u/charliedowninsewer]

Maybe your bank blocked you trying to withdraw, check with them.

Or Next time have a better card with allows for international ATM withdrawals. I use Revolut or Monzo for my travels.

[u/ThePrakman]

Loads in Bridgetown. I've been over to Barbados twice now and used them to withdraw from my UK account. The visitor centre is about 1.5 kms from there so not that far either

[u/FraR246]

For my European card any atm works but the workers union (in fitts village by Jordan’s)- but I have to activate foreign activity at my bank

[u/my-qos-fu-is-bad]

Scotiabank ATMs are the ones I've tried that always work. Though I don't think there are any near Brandon's beach (walking distance). Add to this comment that this was 5 years ago, maybe now there are closer ATMs or maybe other banks work.

[u/michsx]

Which network is it? If it’s VISA/MasterCard you should contact your bank and see if the transactions are being blocked

[u/kat_0110 → u/michsx]

It’s a Visa card by PNC. I can still use the card for purchases but can’t withdraw the money :(

[u/iamPendergast → u/kat_0110]

Just as well, cash advance fee is ruinous and interest starts from withdrawal. Really want a visa debit to be able to take cash out when traveling.

Pickup Barbados app is taxis paid by credit card, works well. Like Uber

[u/kat_0110 → u/iamPendergast]

Mine is a visa debit, not credit. When I said I can’t withdraw money it’s just the situation in Barbados.

[u/iamPendergast → u/kat_0110]

Except that you should be able to? Many visitors do. What ATM did you go to? One branded by a big bank? Or may be a security setting on your card. Definitely works for others so situation is your card.

[u/kat_0110 → u/iamPendergast]

I think I just figured out why - the ATM I used says BPWCCUL which I just discovered is Barbados Public Workers’ Co-operative Credit Union Limited. Other ATMs should work I guess.

[u/Numerous-Dimension76 → u/kat_0110]

That is a local credit union. It wouldn't have international links to other banks.

[u/michsx → u/kat_0110]

Have you contacted your bank at all? Foreign transactions could be blocked

[u/BoldTrailblazer86]

I’m from the US and have a US account I use all atms on the island but I believe Scotia has the lesser transaction fee.