Ojo....Twice when I was at atm machines withdrawing money (Seville bus station & in Cadiz) a man walked up--right as I was making the transaction--to beg for money. Unbelievable. I used my finest profane Spanish vocabulary to chase them off. I wasn't afraid as much as I was angry at their nerve. It's one thing to sit on the street and beg but they raise it to a whole new level when they approach you at the atm!

Hi karenr!
It's not at all comfortable when ANYONE comes near you when you're at an ATM. You feel so vulnerable! You wonder if A) they're going to grab the money and run as soon as it comes out the machine or B) look at your PIN number as you're keying it in, hoping to steal the card later.

I can't imagine they have very good luck begging at the ATMs but they may feel that sitting passively, waiting for someone to put something in their hands, doesn't make them enough money to get a meal (or whatever) in their stomachs.

Try not to be angry with them. They have nerve, yes, but they have to have nerve. They're hungry and homeless. Usually a kind smile and a simple "No, lo siento." works just as well.

Saludos, MadridMan

I had a similar situation in London recently, Victoria Street to be precise. But this wasn't begging, there were two guys pretending to be wandering around, using the one next to me, going in the bank and out. In the end I gave up without entering my pin and walked off to use another one.

In addition to MMs good above, I would add never ever leave the printed receipt in the machine or a nearby bin.

My (wife's) cousin was robbed at an ATM location. It was in her neighborhood and it was one of those that's inside an enclosure that you need to swipe your ATM Card to unlock. I used that same ATM numerous times; never got robbed.

All I can say is: be vigilant and very careful at ATM's all the time.

The police here , though normally excellent , can be very bad at dealing with this situation ... Beggars often sit right by or even underneath ATM machines and are not moved on . Even worse is when the banks are closed some beggars ( I´ve seen this on several occasions ) manage to get into the ATM room ( where you normally have to swipe your card ) and set up there cardboard box beds !!