ATMs (automated teller machines in America) are called Multi-Bank Boxes in the Azores. I'm unsure of the Portuguese acronym for them (I think box is caixa). I'm not sure about all machines, but the taxi driver took me to one and pressed a button and it went to English. Check with your bank to see what the fees are for an out-of-network ATM and the fee for pulling out euros instead of USD.
Banks there are open around 9 a.m. and close at 3 p.m. I would go to the bank with my traveler's checks and say "cambio" (you'll see this in the bank windows - means exchange) and they would find me an English speaking teller. I did not use the traveler's checks in a restaurant. Some of the residencials were not set up for a Visa or MasterCard, nor travler's checks, so I'd go exchange them at the bank. If you use your credit card, you need to check with the bank that issued it as to the fees for charges made in euros. Cheri Mello Listowner, Azores-Gen Researching: Vila Franca, Ponta Garca, Ribeira Quente, Ribeira das Tainhas, Achada -- To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [email protected]. Follow the confirmation directions when they arrive. For more options, such as changing to List, Digest, Abridged, or No Mail (vacation) mode, log into your Google account and visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/Azores. Click in the blue area on the right that says "Join this group" and it will take you to "Edit my membership."
