I had a very unfortunate problem with the ATM on my holiday. I wanted to pay for something with euros instead of using a card as it was better for the person I was paying. I went to the ATM with my debit card and went though the usual language and type of account questions and then chose the maximum amount to withdraw - €480.
I got a message saying "please input amount in multiples of €20 or €50", but €480 was already a muliple. I tried €400 and got the same message. I then cancelled the transaction and started again, and this time I put €380 in and still got the same message.
I was now getting a bit worried that the machine was malfunctioning, but I tried a third time and put in €300. The machine then gave an alert and kept my card. The message on the screen was in Greek so I thought I would take a photograph and try to get it translated. As soon as I took the photograph a loud alarm sounded, Irini came out of her shop to see what was going on. Luckily I know Irini and she gave me the number of Eurobank so that I could call them.
The call to Eurobank them was a waste of time so I just phoned my Bank in the UK and asked them to cancel the card. They were surprised that the card had been taken but they did tell me that they restrict withdrawals to €280 per day. This is to protect the card holder.
They were very surprised that the card had been taken just because of the amout of money I wanted to withdraw. The card should only have been taken if a wrong pin number is applied more then three times.
I had told Helen not to take her card as we wouldn't need it, but from now on I will always take two cards for the same account and at least two other cards. Luckily my credit card worked fine and I only had a small extra charge to pay on it.
So, beware of ATM's and be prepared!!!!!!!