I will be visiting Carvoeiro in two weeks, could anybody tell me if the ATMs in town accept AMEX cards? I am considering taking the new American Express Travellers Cheque Card - obviously it won't be of much use if I can't use it in the ATMs. AMEX say it can be used in ATMS with 'MB' or 'SIBS' logo.- Any help appreciated.

American Express is not a favorate here in the Algarve due to its high commission rate for the retailers, many places do not accept it

This is not a standard AMEX credit or debit card. Its only a cashpoint card, and you will find ATMs all over the place in Carvoeiro that will accept it, and give you cash.

Mind you it will cost you an arm and a leg to use it each time, so I suggest you extract the maximum cash each time, and then you end up carrying loads of cash.... so I cannot quite see the benefit of this card over, say and ordinary debit card, which you can use in many stores, petrol stations etc. for purchases as well. Please help - am I dim here ?? Whats the point of it ?

The AMEX card is being sold as the 'replacement' to travellers cheques, so all the usual benefits of replacement should it be lost or stolen. At the moment First Choice holidays will waive the registration fee plus give you 20 euros if you top the card up with 700GBP + 0% commission. I guess the 'free' 20 euros might help with the ATM charges, they quote a flat 1.5 euro per transaction.

I think the majority of the ATMs are 'MB' aren't they?