I’m planning on relying on my ATM/debit card for purchases when in towns. I realize that in this day and age they’re pretty much everywhere, but I wanted to ask anyway… Is there anywhere where this could present a problem?
Nomad
ATM's for cash?
system
#2
Nomad, I’ve done the same thing on two trips and I’ll be doing it again this year. Keep in mind the AT goes through some very small towns. Not all of them will have ATM machines. However, you can often get cash back when you use your debit card at a grocery store. The Post Office will also give you cash back after a purchase. If you get Wingy’s book, he usually has banks with ATM’s listed. I always make sure I have some cash on me just in case.
Moose
system
#3
Nomad, I’ve done the same thing on two trips and I’ll be doing it again this year. Keep in mind the AT goes through some very small towns. Not all of them will have ATM machines. However, you can often get cash back when you use your debit card at a grocery store. Plus that avoids the foreign ATM fee that you often have to pay. The Post Office will also give you cash back after a purchase. If you get Wingy’s book, he usually has banks with ATM’s listed. I always make sure I have some cash on me just in case.
Moose
system
#4
Nomad~
I used an atm card and learned to get a little extra $$ when I did find a machine. The machines are fairly easy to find especially at gas stations. Also…be sure to keep your atm card where it will not get wet.
ladybug
system
#5
I agree with Ladybug. ATMs are everywhere. The places for real concern are the hostels or stores that don’t take credit / debit cards. It’s not common, but they are out there. $50 in your pocket assures you that you will get that food or stay in that hostel.
Dave and Miranda
system
#6
I relied mostly on ATM’s on my thru a couple of years ago. There are two potential problem areas. First, is that many small towns don’t have an ATM. For example, I suspect there is not one in Port Clinton, just to mention one town that the AT goes through. But that problem can be overcome by carrying a certain amount of cash with you. Likewise, if you stop at a place like Kincora, and don’t go into town, then you will want to have some cash with you.
The only other time I had ATM problems was in Rangely the day after a severe thundershower knocked both ATM’s off line. The story ends well, but it had its moments.
Peaks
system
#7
I only used ATMs on my hike and a couple of times I got money at the Post Office. But just because it is a Post Office don’t assume they will have much money particularly in the mornings if in a small town. As far as ATMs, I took Wingfoot’s book and and wrote down the availablity of an ATM at every town I planned on going into. I then planned cash relative to that. The most cash I carried on the hike was going through the Whites. If you don’t stealth or work for stay, every night will cost you something.
Two Scoops
system
#9
That is definitely the way to go, if possible use a Debit/Credit Card. Some of the hostels will only accept cash, so try to carry a little extra. I ran into a problem in Monson, ME before entering the 100-mile wilderness. Shaw’s only accepts cash and I needed cash for stay in Baxter State Park (Carry enough for an extra night in case of bad weather, $9.00 this year) There was no ATMs in Monson this year, the Post Office would only give me $10; I got $20 from one grocery store, and $40 from the gas station. You can avoid some of the ATM fees by asking for cash back when buying supplies; some of the most usual places (besides grocery stores) offer this service. Some smaller establishments have a minimum ATM/Visa purchase amount (sometimes $10). In Stratton, ME the grocery/deli next to the White Wolf Inn let me run a tab throughout the afternoon/evening for the minimum purchase.
Flippy