Cash in Cuenca?

We are planning a two week trip to Cuenca this month. Our hotel requested cash because credit card costs are high. My question is how difficult is it to get cash from banks or ATMs so we don't have to carry a lot of cash around for two weeks?

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It's quite easy to obtain cash, with one very important caveat...

You must inform your bank or credit union before you use your card, or it may be held by the machine or, more likely, your withdrawal will be denied by your bank.

Let them know all the countries you'll be visiting, including any along the way where you might be using your card. Also ask what their service charge is so that you don't have any unpleasant surprises when you get home!

For most banks in Ecuador, the maximum withdrawal is $500 per day. Since the service charge is per transaction, take out as much as your comfortable carrying around to save having to hit the bank every day.

If you find that the ATMs from one bank won't work, try a different bank. Your card must be on either the Visa or MasterCard network to work with machines here in Ecuador.

Jeff