How hard is it to get cash on the trail. Do most of the towns have ATM’s? I hear a lot of hostals only take cash. Is this most of them or just a few? Should I leave the credit card at home? How much cash should a thru hiker carry at one time?
Palmetto Tar
Cash is very easy to get. Every town except Monson, Maine has an ATM. Maybe they have one now? A lot of stores and hostels don’t take credit cards.
Lone Wolf
I agree with Lone Wolf. I used an ATM/Debit card on my hike. Rememeber you can get up to $50 at a post office when using a debit card, not a credit card. Also last year Monson still didn’t have an ATM. The guy at the post office did offer me over $50. But make sure you get extra money before Monson because you will need cash in Baxter. Also if you stop at Whitehouse Landing, they take credit cards but they charge you for it. Also if you go into a bank and take an advance off of a debit card you don’t get the teller fees. I paid as mush as $2 I think at an ATM machine. Look at the hostels and Baxter fees after Monson and adjust your cash. I ran short on food by Whitehouse Landing and lacked what I wanted in cash. Really I just wanted more to eat.
Two Scoops
Almost all “good” sized stores take credit/debit cards. Even the little store in Fontana took plastic. Also remember, if you buy food with your ATM card, you can get additonal cash then. IMHO… ATM/DEBIT card is the only way to go.
Moose
Some stores in New York and north would not take cards on us if the purchase was less than $10. Other than that, we tried to keep about $50 on us all the time and we had no money problems. ATM/DEBIT
Papa Smurf
Cash advances at some banks are free, but ask first since the bank may charge $5 or more and I believe it is possible your own bank might charge you. You don't have to worry about the ATM fees. Also, travelers checks can get lost in the mail or wet and some small stores won't accept $50 or higher travelers checks. <!--1311616860_030103-->
Bump