It’s been a couple of weeks since I posted an article in my series about SIR , mostly due to the holidays. I felt that with everybody so busy due to the holidays, it would be good to hold off on the SIR series until the holidays finished up, so we will get back on track today with the series of articles. For anybody who has forgotten what “SIR” is, it is the foundation of Filipino Culture, and it stands for “Smooth Interpersonal Relations” or the way that relationships with other people are handled in Filipino society.
For today’s SIR topic, we will focus in on “Garbo” which is Self Esteem or Self Worth. If you think about it, most all of these aspects of SIR tie together quite nicely. As I am sure any regular reader will remember, and probably already knew, a major thing in the Philippines is avoiding the loss of face, and when you think about that, it is really tied in with Garbo. I mean, if you cause somebody to lose face, they suffer in their self esteem, right?
Garbo refers to the need of the Filipino to be treated as a person, not as an object. His sense of personal worth, his individual dignity, is especially vulnerable to negative remarks from others.
I have an example of this in mind. About a month ago, I was reading a blog written by a Filipino. I wish I had a link to share, but I forgot where I read it, and although I’ve searched extensively for it, I can’t find it. Anyway, this Filipino blogger was telling about how he had gone to a bake shop that day. When he got there, he was second in line. The person in front of him was a Korean expat living here in the Philippines. Apparently, the Korean told the clerk at the bakeshop what he wanted to order, and she could not understand him. He kept telling her what he wanted, but she was unable to understand him still. After a while, he started getting upset, and he was yelling at the clerk.
Well, when the Korean guy started yelling, this really went over bad with this blogger who was observing the situation. He started writing about how terrible it was that this Korean guest of the Philippines was berating this Filipina, how mean he was, etc. It was very clear in my mind that this was a matter of Garbo, and also loss of face.
While reading this blog, I also felt sorry for the Korean that was being written about, though. I mean, I’ve been there myself where I was in a situation where I was trying to get a message across to a Filipino, and they could not understand what I was talking about. In my case, it is more often a matter that they will understand the words I am saying, but they simply don’t get the idea as a whole. For the Korean man, I am sure that his accent made it very hard to understand the words themselves, and that lead to problems.
As I said, I’ve been in this type of situation before, and most of the time I have handled it badly. I know that there are proper ways to handle this without attacking a person’s self worth. However, often times you get into such a situation, and everything that you know goes out the door when you get very frustrated. Invariably, when I am in this kind of situation, I will say something that I should not say. I will say something that makes the other person feel bad, and that reflects badly on me. I am not as bad as I used to be about this kind of thing, but I still need to improve on it.
Well… as I sit here typing this, images of other foreigners that I’ve seen losing their cool are coming to my head. Yes, I do need to improve, but I’ve seen some pretty bad incidents like this, and thankfully, I have not gone as far as some others do.
You know what’s funny, though? When I step out of bounds, and I know that I did, I get pretty embarrassed about it. I walk away, but in my mind I am kicking myself and feeling really bad about it. I might still be blaming the other person in my words, but in my gut and in my mind, I realize that I messed up. Again. I always pledge that I won’t do it again. But, invariably I do. I’m getting better, though.
Remember, you need to be careful about this. Causing the loss of face can lead to very serious consequences, even death. And, this is all tied in with Garbo. So, don’t cause a loss of self esteem or self worth to a Filipino!
Morning Bob
This article reminds me of an American I saw in the Robinson Mall in Cebu. While walking along he was cussing and complaining about filipinos and the Philippines. Guess he had some communication problems. Think we have all been there but it is best to not say anything until you have had a chance to think about it. These articles have helped me to understand how a simple misunderstanding can cause some major problems if not handled properly.
wow – I hope the lack of comments isn't affecting your Self Esteem Bob 😉
There is a fine line and a foreigner may never know when they cross it – well some foreigners just trample right over that line – but how should one go about getting their point across say about poor service without crossing that line?
Often times I just suck it up, and my personality will allow water to roll off my back, but sometimes it's a very important issue and you just know that the person you are dealing with is not going to satisfy your need, despite their assurances, without a little forceful persuasion.
Hi Bob – "Those" expats living in a country they berate and a people they dislike – I've often wondered about them. My curiosity was partially satisfied upon talking with a few who gave up and returned to the USA. Guess what? They berated their new surroundings and its residents in exactly the same way!
Perhaps these leeches on the planet are simply curmudgeons whose only happiness is found in expressing their misery to one and all.
Paraphrasing the words of a good friend, these fellows "miss a lot of good opportunities to remain silent"! 😉
Bob: It's the quality of the article, rather than the number of comments that's important. I'm assuming you use some form of web tracker to determine how many people lurk… You have a fairly large amount of information here. I think many, many people do not like to leave comments on the net, and I have a suspicion that you get a fair number of lurkers here.
I agree, this is important, and had tongue in cheek 8)
When it comes to most day-to-day things, I'm mellow enough to not really care, like if a waitress messes up my order or something along those lines it's no big deal for me. There are sometimes of course that I may for some reason be in a rare mood that the little things may bother me, but as Paul says I try not to “miss a lot of good opportunities to remain silent”.
There are some things which are important however, such as getting something processed at a gov't office, getting the right medicine at the pharmacy, etc.
I'm usually pretty good at interpersonal communication, thinking of a different way to explain the importance of my needs, asking to speak with a superior, etc, all the while trying to be tactful. I've really only lost my cool once that I can think of, being bumped from a flight from Cebu to Gensan a couple days before Christmas – we ended up on the flight somehow, but it wasn't pretty.
I guess what you're saying is to be mindful of the culture, educate yourself as much as possible – and try not to be an ass 🙂
Interesting article that gives food for thought . I think foreigners have a hard time understanding the entire concept of " saving face " and as a result that can sometimes lead to embarrassing situations in public .
I know i sometimes get frustrated when dealing with clerks in stores especially . I once roamed around a large grocery looking for some Mustard . Apparently Filipinos don't use mustard much because every person i asked " where can i find the mustard " either did not know what i was talking about or said the store did not sell mustard .
On the way out the door i saw mustard but it was in a section of the store totally unrelated to condiments . So i have learned my lesson . I will ask but if i get blank looks or am led to something unrelated to what i am looking for i just roam around and see for myself . 🙂
I do however think it's overkill to have people deported because they verbally insulted the wrong Filipino ( usually a politician or the like ) . 🙂
Speaking of comments, there are times when I resist the urge to leave a comment esp if my comment in my judgment will not add anything to what has been fairly covered by the writer. In this particular entry, Bob has covered everything. My only question is & this applies to all his S.I.R. series is where does he get his materials, references, like the word "Garbo". Is that visayan or tagalog. "Garbo" in tagalog connotes visually- arresting presentation as in "Magarbo ang nakaraang parada ng mga floats ng nagdaang 2008 Metromanila Film Festival."
Hi Roy – Thanks for asking the questions, because others might also be interested. Actually, I did address these when I first started the SIR series, but many have probably either not read the first article introducing the series, or have forgotten.
1. My reference material is some study materials given to me by my Bisaya Teacher, Bebe Metillo.
2. The words that I use are in Bisaya, except in some cases when I know what the Tagalog word is too, I will add that. In this case, I did not know the proper Tagalog word for "garbo" in Bisaya.
Ops Bob..sorry if I referred to you in third person. I should have my question directed to you and not appear as if you're not (virtually) there. Now I have another reason not leave any comments. 🙂
the pouting eyes & lips as they say "wala" is just classic 😯
body language speaks volumes
I was pleasantly surprised in SM Davao recently – I was looking for a particular item and the nice young lady said wala in a way that made me thing "yeah, whatever" and I continued my own hunt – but she made a point to find me later in the store with item in hand saying she was able to find one in the stockroom – awesome service indeed.
Thanks Bob! Now we're almost chatting. Ok, the words you use are visayan. It makes sense that I wasn't able to recognize those concepts, not that they were alien, but because of the dialect you used.
Hi Roy – Actually, I didn't even notice the reference! Besides, I think you were talking to Gary, if I was not mistaken! No problem!
Hi Gary – That indeed is good service! It is also rare to have something like that happen!
Hi Roy – I'm trying to teach you a little bisaya! 😆
Actually I think Roy was referring to John Miele's comment
You are right – the service went way beyond – when a person brings an attitude like that to work it must be carried over from their general approach to life – I am sure great things will happen to her.
Sorry, somewhat off topic…
Being dropped off at a Cebu airport at 7 45 in the morning and 24 hours late too ..No one to meet u at the gate ..no phone, no phone number ..but it only took me 2 hours to find my girlfriend ….a couple of the porters at the door knew enuf english that i could talk to them and it went will .one word sentences work good … and a happy ending .. 🙂 ..Phil N Jess
Hi Gary – Ah, maybe so… I didn't go back and review, bad me! 😯
I agree with you, the girls actions were just another indicator that she is a certain type of "go-getter" who will go far in life!
Hi Phil – I think that you are a pretty easy going guy! This one worked out well for you!
hi bob,
I seem to remember reading that blog, a korean national buying a bread and the lady can't understand his words because of his accent, he got frustrated and starts yelling at the lady while he is on his way out. The first thing comes to my mind was "how many foreigners think that they are more superior than the filipinos?" and gives them the right to treat the filipinos badly ? as an OFW, living in a country where there are few who can speak english, I know how frustrating it is to go to a store and ask for something you need and nobody can understand you or you cannot understand them, however, I don't show my frustration to them, I choose to come to their country and it is my responsibility and obligation to adapt and adjust myself to them, i don't fault them for not understanding me because i know exactly where i stand in their society. I worked for the americans, british and some other western people, and in my experience, every time we go to the market i am always the one who deals with the locals for them, because i can speak their language and none of my co-workers makes an effort to learn the local language, one of their reason is "they don't have to learn the language" because their company provides them with translators, the thing is, the translator is not always around for them.
every time i deal with the local people, i get more respect from the local people and more discounts because the locals are happy hearing me speaking their language. so far i never had any trouble with the locals because i know exactly how to treat them and make an adjustment to it.
Hi dans – I agree with you. It is wrong to get mad, and I don't know for sure why us foreigners get mad sometimes. I try very hard not to, but sometimes it still happens.
I personally do not feel that because we sometimes get mad, that means that we think we are superior to Filipinos. I think it simply means that we are frustrated, and perhaps we don't know how to handle the situation. It certainly is frustrating, I know that.
Thanks for commenting, dans.
hi bob,
just a small tip , i hope you don't mind, this works for me all the time, before i go to any store or market, the first thing i do is i anticipate what will going to happen if i were to find a product that nobody knows about it or a product that i don't know the name in their local language, the first thing i do is, i try to get the equivalent word of the product in their language by asking my local friend who can speak english, next i will try to find a photo from the internet or even draw them so i can show them what it looks like, the most important thing i do is ,I prepare myself, a lot of anticipation that the local people may not understand me at all and i must find the product i need in their shelves all by myself. and lastly, anticipation.. anticipation… a lot of it, and the acceptance that local people might not give me the right product i am looking for, and the acceptance that if i could not not find it, then it's probably not available. the most important thing is… before i stepped out of my door, whatever happens i will keep my cool every time.
the bottom line is.. Fix my attitude before i even make a step out of my door.
Hi Bob, these articles have been abig help to me. I have to admit though at times I get lost. I like to look new words up in the dictionary and get a better concept of them ibn my mind, and I sure can't find "Garbo". Sounds like slang to me, as in someone being over-dramatic … a drama queen or Greta Garbo. Doesn't resemble any actual Filipino word I can find though, so perhaps it's Bisaya only? the situation you described in the bakery would seem to be one of 'hiya', the act of belittling or embarrassing someone by shouting at them and 'backing them into a corner. But probably we are talking two clightly different things.
Anyone who has been to another 'allegedly' English spaeking country is familiar with understanding the words but having no idea what the meaning is … the first time I tried to buy a train ticket in England I gave up after 15 minutes of heated discussion, rising voices and embarrassment on my part. I asked for a ticket to London, the bored and rather disintered female ticket agent barked, "Single or return, luv"?
I had no idea what the expression meant and why she thought I was her love, and her only method of clarification was to repeat the question, again and again in an ever louder voice (we Americans do this too, often … louder and louder, I'm guilty myself). I finally lost my temoer and said, "I may be stupid but I'm not deaf, you old cow," and walked away.
Later a freind explained and walked me back to the old harridan … he explained to her that I didn't know that 'single' meant one way and 'return' meant a round trip. The woman's response?
"_They_ ought to learn English before they come to our country then."
I have saved myself more thna one embarrassing moent by thinking to myself how they one nasty 'they' felt to me lo those many years ago … I try to remeber it every time I get fed up at 'their' lack of understanding. Doesn't always work, but it helps.
Hi, Bob,
or, shall I say, Dr Martin? Or Sir Bob?
Oh, I do enjoy spur of the moment comments. They make a good read.
"Garbo" – lierally a name, Greta Garbo – who popularised the famous line,
"Leave me alone…" and it evolved as verrry Pinoy.
Korean at the bakeshop: a very good friend of mine living in Cebu has told me a similar story but this time she was the victim. In one of the malls there, she was queuing for her turn to use the CR. Behind her was a female Korean, younger than her. My friend, who just entered, heard a knock on the door. It was the same Korean queuing behind her. She was not even properly seated when the Korean knocked again and again, with urgency. My friend, unfinished doing her call of nature, emerged and red-faced and told her off. This is not the first time that too many Koreans show extreme impatience for little things. No wonder she declined the invitation to teach Koreans English but would say yes to the Japanese. She too said time and again that the Japanese in Cebu are the most behaved and patient.
As for me, a Pinay, and expat, living in Spain, of course we moan and complain about the Spaniards. The Brits are the biggest of all, but they do it in the comfort of their living rooms. There will always be people complaining. It's human nature and people forget that we are only human. There are too many unpleasant things to say about the Spaniards or their service, but, to say that we should condemn those who complain against the complainants is tantamount to saying we want a "perfect world"…Quack…it would be too boring for my liking if we didn't havepeople with a colourful language, or, who is timid to complain just because they happen to be guests in the Philippines. To all expats living there, please, be free to say what you want, for as long as it isn't below the belt. The countryneeds diversity, and diversity comes in different backgrounds and colour. Thanks to all expats joining LIP, the conversations are truly interesting.
"Hiya" in Filipino: this for me, is a rather false sense of pride. Sorry, Pinoys, but let's stop playing games and admit to this fraud. This is the 21st century and believe me, this doesn't work anymore, least of all, to me. Mind you, it never did. I never mince my language. In the Philippines, people need CLARITY OF MIND. Sorry, Bob, I have no wish to tickle the "ego" of Pinoys. Regards, Hill
Hi dans – I totally agree about fixing your (my) attitude first. I strive for that, but sometimes I fall short. Thankfully, not so often anymore though. 😆
Hi Dave – Garbo is a Bisaya word. I personally don't know what the Tagalog is for this. It really doesn't have anything to do with Greta Garbo! 😆
I'm glad that the series of articles has been helpful so far. We still have a few articles to go in the series too.
Hi Hill Roberts – no need to call me Sir, or anything like that. Bob is fine.
Interesting story about the Korean girl at the CR. Who knows, maybe she had an emergency or something. 😯
Hi Bob, I really think that if one meets someone halfway things should not get out of hand. I agree with Dans that a little patience goes a long way, especially in everyday interactions with people. I can understand if it was a banking or health issue getting upset, but boorish behavior is just that in any language or country.
Hi Queeniebee – I totally agree. Believe me, I don't get upset often, although I used to. I don't know your experience, if you have lived in the Philippines or not. But, if you have, you probably saw foreigners getting mad in public a lot. I see it all the time. It is something that makes me strive to do my best not to let it happen to me!
Hi Bob,, I am a former US Peace Corps Volunteer who years ago married a Cebuano from my assigned town. We are in that strange netherworld between living in the US and Philippines where we will eventually retire for good. My perspective can be similar or totally different from what you might encounter!
Hi queeniebee – I have a male friend who was a peace corp volunteer here in Davao back in the 60's. He married a lady from here. She died a couple years ago. Very nice man.
I would have assumed you to be a Filipina, given your e-mail address, but I saw your comment on Rusty's blog basically pointing out that you might not be a Filipina, so I treaded lightly! 😆
Thanks for sharing your perspective.
I think the most frustrating event I had when visiting was discovering my ( internationally known ) credit card would not work in any of the ATM's in the city. The one bank that I had been able to get cash advances from over the counter previously, said they could not give me a cash advance the day I wanted it, because their card swipe machine was not owrking and I would have to wait Two Days for someone to come from Manila ( to Iligan City ) to repair it. They said they could exchange Peso for American Dollars but when I gave them some of my USA money to exchange they said they could not accept this bill because it had a fold in the middle ( from being in my wallet ) they could not exchange that one because it had a fold on the corner, they could not exchange the next one because a near microscopic piece of it was missing from the bottom of it etc. etc. etc. Basically, if my USA paper money was not in " Mint Condition " they would not accept it for exchange.
Now it was not so much the fact that their one and only card swipe box was not working, this could happen anywhere at any time. When they told me it would be Two Days for someone to come all the way from Manila to " Repair It " it was like a neon sign in my brain kept flashing " do they really think I'm that stupid ? " Although they seemed very understanding and they were apologetic I really had to apply a maximum effort to keep my cool and a couple of times I thought if I didn't stop talking they would have called the security guards over to remove me from the bank although I was careful not to insult anyone as an individual, I did suggest that maybe they might request a second card swipe box to use as a spare, and if they would like, I would even pay a local technician to take a look at it for them as it may just need a good cleaning of the magnetic pickup ( similar to a tape head I presume ) . Prior to leaving the bank I did apologise to them and explained that it was just a bit frustrating to me. I returned to that bank the following day and got the cash I requested.
I think what brings on frustration like this, and it may apply to others as well, is when we find things that are simple, easy and quick for us to do in our own country are not so easily accomplished in a foriegn country. This can apply to many situations. I have felt this way at times when I have been in the UK as well. What we think is a simple task often is far from being that in another country and / or culture.
As an American, I am accoustomed ( like many other Americans ) to " Instant This " Instant That " . You want that new 52 inch Plasma or LCD TV to hang on your wall because you are having your friends come over for Super Bowl Sunday ? No problem, hop in the car take a 15 minute ride to ( your favorite ) local electronics retailer, buy the one you want out of the two dozen on display, put it on your credit card and take it home ,all within one hour. I am using this scenerio as an example. I think another factor which adds to this is the competive nature of the way things are done here that we are so accoustomed to. If one store does not have it, someone else will open up a store that does. If one store is too pricy for the locale, someone else will open up one selling the same things for a more reasonable price making the amount of choices and the quick availability of many things seem second nature.
I try very hard when in a foriegn country not to express or imply that our way or their way is better than the other. What I like to leanr before making a conclusion on something is to find the reason for what may appear to be the same things being so different or, why certain things are or seem different, there is usually a very good reason it is just a matter of learning about it.
Hi, Bob,
My friend's main complaint is the way the Koreans show their seeming lack of patience to the people of Cebu. She has been a witness many, many times to their rudeness, uncouth behaviour and above all, their obvious lack of respect to the inhabitants there. The Japanese avoid them like a plague and this is not an exaggeration. Time and again, their impatience is the main factor why many Cebuanos just can't stand them. As for the CR incident, I did say (hehehe) that my friend wasn't yet properly seated when she sat on the throne when this Korean kept knocking non-stop because she needed to use it. Marbella is extremely cosmopolitan but this kind of behaviour is unacceptable. Sure, we have seen many Europeans walking into Chinese restaurants and pretend they "have forgotten their money/wallet and that they will just go back and pick up the money (My Chinese friends have become wary—-there was a time I had to call the police to stop a woman yelling because after having a hearty meal, she admitted that she had no money!! When the police came, they told me in Spanish; " yes, we know her. We locked her up just last night for non-payment in another restaurant." Many Europeans try victimising Chinese restaurants (many of them are my friends since their kids come for English lessons) and they always tell me, being the so-called troubleshooter, to help them. I do so gladly, since they, like me, are immigrants.
Bob in New york
We have exactly the same predicament with a well-known bank here. Time and again, they couldn't give us simple answers,instead,,they send those ridiculous standard letters saying that "we will investigate your situation…" What is there to investigate when all we wanted was to change our banking address from the UK to Spain? How difficult is that? Is that space science or what? Believe me, there are so many stupid bank employees and even more stupid bank managers who do not think or use their heads. All I can say is, sack the whole lot of them!
Hi Bob New York – What you describe with the bank is very typical – this sort of thing happens every single day. And, yes, they were telling you the truth about the repairman needing to come from Manila. This is how it works here. Regarding exchanging your US money – yes, it needs to be in mint condition or else it can be very difficult to make the exchange.
The situation with the bank, which you described is a perfect description of what I am talking about. It is so easy to lose your cool in this type of situation. But, if a person can make it through this sort of thing without getting mad, then he can successfully live in the Philippines!
Hi Hill Roberts – Maybe I am just different, but having a person knock on the bathroom door would not really bother me. I don't see why it is a big deal. If the person is not done using the facility, just don't open the door.
Garbo is Spanish but translates locally as pride/amor propio.
Likewise the word "ulaw" translates as shame,but has various nuances
such as shyness,sense of propriety,reserve,etc
I laugh about my earlier experiences in the Pines. Coming from Australia a lot of our daily transactions are fairly quick and hassel free, so most things are quite instant and fairly consistent. But the Pines is a little different. I do remember losing my cool at the BOI. I just got tired of being charged varing fees for my Tourist Visa between 2,850 pesos to PHP6,500 for the same Visa! It was the first time I can ever recall losing my cool. It still makes me angry thinking about it. But what made me finally explode was when the officer said money now is hard to come by, so why you upset? Don't worry its the Pines, we bend the rules a bit……..
Just to add a note. If your partner is pregnant, in Sydney, fathers are allowed in the delivery room. I found out on the day of my child's birth, in the Pines that I wasn't allowed in.
Well thats fair enough……but…..I made all the necessary enquiries and got permission in writing to enter the delivery room well in advance.
I was refused entry by a 20 year old nurse, the reason given? Pregnant women do not give their best effort when the father is in the delivery room. I was shocked at how I lost control of my temper. In the end i took control of the situation and all went well. Lesson here, sometimes the letter or the word is not worth the paper its written on…..
Bob,
I know and have seen this here. I too get fustrated but try to slow down, explain again and even draw pictures.
Today I had a workman at a project I am working on. He was trying to tell me something and I knew I did not understand. I had him join me and we walked to another store. I asked if someone spoke english and had them translate.
Later, Elena was there visiting me and we were sitting at a table we have set up. The workman was talking but was sitting away from the table. I told him to join us, we are equal. That made him more comfortable. When the work was done, and I knew I would pass his office, I offered to drive him to save comute. He was shy but I told him to get in the car.
For me, a clerk, a laborer, workman or foreigner is a person and deserves a level of respect.
Hi Bob,
Just a note on the only frustration I have experienced so far. DO NOT bring American Express checks when you visit. On my first trip there I did. having fears of being pick pocketed or mugged I was afraid of bringing cash. I cashed a few at the airport, no problem but bad exchange rate. I had a couple of hundred in cash so I knew when I arrived in Davao I would have pesos. Oh first time I arrived on Friday. The next day Josey and I went to mall to shop for the American breakfast I promised her family that I was going to cook them on Sunday. Malls do have exchange places so I went to one and was told they did not take American Express. Ok just give them the $100.00 dollar bills I had and go to bank on Monday. Opps, one of them that was new in appearance had two staple holes in it. Sorry sir we don't take money with holes. Ok I take the money from other and spend p3000 for the family breakfast. Still all is good until Monday. Monday comes and we go to first bank we see and get sorry sir if you do not have account we can not change American Express. If not for Josey Aunt that took off early from work to meet her at her bank where I was able to open a small checking account, I would not have been able to cash at all. Oh I don't even know for sure where I have $25.00 dollars hehe. Forgot to say all I had was visa debt card and less than $200.00 in that account at home. I left laptop this time and credit cards first time.
On first visit going home Josey's neighbor had a nephew that words a security at Davao Airport so she was able to enter and be with me until my plane left. I paid the airport tax ( p200 ) kissed and went to Manila. After giving her the rest of my peso's because I would not need. Got to Manila with little cash and found out I needed p750 airport tax there. Ok, just go to atm and get the money. None in international so security takes me out and lets me use atm outside. Get money and come home. Cost for $50.00? $25.00. This time I brought what I thought was plenty of CASH but just in case put extra in checking. I think with such a large extended family and Some Christmas presents I could not bring and would have to buy I was wrong again. So i know it is going to cost me $25.00 and I decide I will take out $400.00 at atm bank in mall. Surprise again I did not get $400.00 but p400. oh well learn Andy. I just took out p10,000 more and actually when I get home and looked at bank on line it only cost $10.00 for each. Next time I will just use atm. Oh and exchange rate was good too.
Hi Andy Wooldridge – Yep, traveler's checks are a no-no here. Very hard to cash! Not just Amex either, but all traveler's checks!
Hi Andy Wooldridge – We use ATM's a lot, and thankfully we don't have to pay any ATM fees, due to the type of bank account we have in the States.