Does anyone know if the banks automatically mail new cards to bankomatiko holders when they expire, as they do in the U.S. Thanks

No they don't. Actually, you may have to order a new one at the bank and pick it up at the bank as well. You should just check with them on the procedure. They don't like mailing things.

Thanks Linda, Appreciate the post.

Reading your post made me check--My RBTT ATM card expires in 2035... Switch to RBTT and you won't have to worry about this question!

Thanks Ruth, I'll check into them. I thought having a card would make banking easier, but it's still a challenge from afar(US).

Actually it makes the world of difference. It is essential to have a card for internet access to all your accounts. MCB is very similar to any American net access bank. Just be sure to ACTUALLY USE the card on the island occasionally if it is just used for internet access they expire it without warning. The whole setup is almost identical to all my US accts. If you have an American commercial acct you can even set up internet wire transfers to the island and the whole setup is transparent.

It is also valuable for those just arrived shopping sprees now that several of the supermarkets are refusing 50 and 100 bills. I saw Toucan is also refusing them and this could be a big problem in the future.

Do you HAVE to use the card on island? Or will checking balances in the US count. I think that's my problem. Thanks

You have to use the card in the back owned machine to check balances, or have some activity using the card like purchases if it is a Maesto card.