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Which ATM machine?

Canada
Level Contributor
2,648 posts
76 reviews
41 helpful votes
Which ATM machine?
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We are coming from Canada and I don't really want to bring USD and then start calculating if I got the correct amount of change in local currency.

Can you please let me know what ATM is the best to use? By best I mean, giving the best rates and less fees from your experience.

On other countries I could use Scotia Bank for free but they don't have a branch in Curacao. Should I avoid using airport's ATM which are usually high fees and worst exchange rates?

Thank you

Cary, North Carolina
Level Contributor
1,761 posts
108 reviews
83 helpful votes
1. Re: Which ATM machine?
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Most of the "Bankomatikos" that you will see all around the island (identifiable by their blue and yellow kiosks) are operated by MCB, Maduro and Curiel's Bank. There is a machine conveniently located in the luggage pickup area in the airport, and they are typically near grocery stores and gas stations. Regardless of location, the cost is the same flat rate of US$5 per transaction plus whatever your home bank charges for an out-of-network transaction. So better to get a large amount at one transaction vs. a bunch of small withdrawals. The exchange rate is fixed at $US 1 = Nafl 1.75. ..easier to think of as $20 = Nafl 35. The machines will ask for your choice of US Dollars or NA Guilders to be dispensed. Also be aware that if you pay with US$ most places will return your change in Guilders at the 1.75 rate, a bit confusing. To avoid all this exchange rate stuff, I use my widely accepted AAdvantage MasterCard with no foreign transaction fees wherever possible, and also accumulate miles towards another trip at the same time.

Enjoy your visit to Curaçao! Weather has been delightful the past few weeks.

Canada
Level Contributor
2,648 posts
76 reviews
41 helpful votes
2. Re: Which ATM machine?
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Thanks Jeff.

Yes I will use my Amazon Visa which also doesn't have any transaction fee whenever I can use CC.

Willemstad, Curacao
Level Contributor
3,751 posts
243 reviews
127 helpful votes
3. Re: Which ATM machine?
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MCB (Maduro) has been affiliated with Scotiabank since 1970.

Canada
Level Contributor
2,648 posts
76 reviews
41 helpful votes
4. Re: Which ATM machine?
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But ScotiaBank site doesn't show any ATM for Curacao.

Canada
Level Contributor
2,648 posts
76 reviews
41 helpful votes
5. Re: Which ATM machine?
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Can you possibly check if their ATMs have a logo like Global ATM Alliance?

California
Level Contributor
1,107 posts
6. Re: Which ATM machine?
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I have an ATM card from Citibank (USA) and at Curacao I always use ATM with RBC (Royal Bank of Canada). They have ATMs in many locations and also office branches. At first ATM asks for a language (Papamientu, Dutch or English) and then what do you want gulders or US dollars. There are a few dollars of transaction fees. I never had a problem. On the other hand, ATM from "Giro Bank" did not recognize my ATM card. Here is a link to the RBC branches and ATM locations: http://www.rbcroyalbank.com/caribbean/an/customer-service/atm-branch-locations.html

Canada
Level Contributor
2,648 posts
76 reviews
41 helpful votes
7. Re: Which ATM machine?
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I used MCB to withdraw money by my Tangerine debit card. As mentioned, the fee was 6 guilder from MCB and $2 CAD from Tangerine. And Credit card works almost everywhere.

8. Re: Which ATM machine?

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