ATM

I think I have mentioned before that I have been coming to this island since 2010, and that for all of that time there has only been one ATM machine on the island. There are two taxis, taxi #1 and taxi #2, but only one ATM.

I may also have complained about the hike required to reach the ATM. You basically have to hike up one side of a mountain, down the other to the port, and then hike back up again.  It is a very steep climb.  If you are very fit, you can try the stairs up from the port, but they are extremely vertical and in the direct sun during the day. The trip takes a better part of an hour, and is about a mile or so. Anyway, it was a pain to get to the ATM, we usually did it in tandem with some other errand.

I am pleased to announce that this year a new ATM has been installed relatively close to our studio apartment.  I was so thrilled that I stopped by to snap this picture and take out some cash.  The new ATM is centrally located in the Chora. Now we are getting really spoiled.

Cash is essential in Astypalaia. Almost all transactions in are cash only, people do not use ATM or credit cards while doing their daily shopping. You can also often get a better price if you pay cash and don't demand a receipt.

We now have an easier way to get $$$!

You can practice your Greek by trying to read the screen on the ATM.

More soon.