ATMs & Getting Cash
Essential phrases for finding an ATM, checking fees, and dealing with common cash machine problems in Spanish.
Key Phrases
¿Dónde hay un cajero?
neutralWhere is an ATM?
'Cajero' is the everyday word for ATM in most Spanish-speaking countries.
Perdón, ¿dónde hay un cajero automático?
politeExcuse me, where is an ATM?
Use the full phrase 'cajero automático' when asking strangers on the street.
Necesito sacar dinero.
neutralI need to take out money.
Quiero efectivo.
casualI want cash.
A direct, everyday way to say you need physical bills.
¿Hay comisión aquí?
neutralIs there a fee here?
Disculpe, ¿el cajero cobra comisión?
politeExcuse me, does the ATM charge a fee?
La tarjeta no funciona.
neutralThe card doesn't work.
Use this simple present phrase if your card is rejected or unreadable.
El cajero tiene mi tarjeta.
neutralThe ATM has my card.
Past tenses are hard for beginners, so use this present-tense phrase to explain a swallowed card.
¿Cuál es el tipo de cambio?
neutralWhat is the exchange rate?
¿A cómo está el cambio?
casualHow much is the exchange rate?
A very common, conversational way to ask about current rates.