ATMs

I don't quite understand the ATMs here in this country. It is wonderful to have ATMs. They seem to be on every other corner in Maputo, a sign that people have more disposable income and the country is moving up in the world. They are well lit and usually have a guard. Our closest bank is right across the street next to a market and a huge dumpster. The market is probably the seediest place in the area, especially at night, but at least the ATMs are on the opposite side from the market.

This is what happens when I go to get money out. You wait in line, sometimes quite a long time. When you finally make it to the ATM you want to be quick because people may get upset behind you if you take too much time. This is, of course, aggravated if the computer is not working well and taking time. This used to happen to me when we lived in Chimoio but less here in Maputo. People still get upset even if it is not your fault and attempts to explain that the ATM was slow can fall on deaf ears. Most ATMs will make loud 'beeps' when you are pressing in your code announcing "Yoo Hoo" to everyone that you are entering into your account and calling all would be theives to your whereabouts. You quickly type in 'levantamento' which means you are taking money out. It takes about 30 seconds, you look around and in the mirror to make sure no one is watching. And if they are not, the ATM makes sure that everyone is by making a loud 'whoommmpf' as your money comes out. Jenny assured me this noise can be heard on the otherside of the divided main street even when there is traffic. This noise does not happen when you are paying bills, looking up the account balance or any other numerous transactions that can be made, only when you take money out. You quickly stuff your money into any part of you but your wallet so that people do not see but the noise has already made it as obvious as if there was a sign pointed down saying,"This guy just took out money, come and get it". Who designed this thing anyway?