Welcome chofman!

The error messages from the ATMs can indeed be very confusing. I've gotten the same message when there are been several different problems: blocked card, machine malfunctioning and network problems. So it's not easy to figure out what exactly the problem is.

When you check online, you should be able to see which ATMs were used for the withdrawls. Did the three extra transactions occur at the same ATM as you used? Of were they at the Galicia machines you initially tried? The bank should have a security tape that they can view to see who made the transactions, but I'm not sure how long before the record is erased. I know from talking to my bank in the US, that they can see attempts at withdrawls, even when they were not successful (due to the ATM having no money).

My experience is that with Banco Galicia/Banelco, the maximum transaction amount is AR$990, with a limit of three daily transactions. However, at Banco Francés, I can do three AR$1000 transactions also on the Banelco network. So some things are obviously bank specific. There is an limitation on both LINK and Banelco of a maximum of AR$1000 per transaction (according to the network operators).

See also this thread: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/argen...sage-fees.html

John