T&T: ATM costs

[Ron Trossbach]

We have been a user of Automated Teller Machines (ATM) since they first became
popular worldwide in the 90's.
The "Hole in the Wall" became our source of ready cash, in local currency, at
good exchange rates, in Europe and continues to serve us here in the US using
either a credit card or a debit card and a PIN.  It certainly beats trying to
cash checks at banks, embassies, or American Express (remember those days?).

We have always paid for this service when we are away from a branch of our
credit union, which uses PLUS, but I don't recall paying as much as we do now
so I'm looking for a better way.  Recently we paid $4.50 to get $200 cash from
an ATM in Maine, $1 each for checking our balance in two accounts and $2.50
for the withdrawl.

Is there a better way or deal available?
How are other listees handling small cash purchases while cruising?

Ron Trossbach
(off the boat for the winter)