Just an FYI for anyone on the southern portion of the AT this hiking season - I just got into Hot Springs (hiking from Springer) and my credit/debit card was declined.
After calling my bank I was able to get a fraudulent charge reversed (charge was from a Walmart in Georgia while I was in the middle of the woods) and a new card sent out, I'm having it sent up to Erwin, TN to pick it up in a few days.
The reason I'm posting this is because I've met a handful of other hikers who have also had their card information stolen while out here on the trail and had to go through the rigmarole of canceling a card and having a new one sent out. We can't say for sure if it is a business/hostel along the trail that is doing this, but there's definitely a trend out here right now of this happening to hikers for some reason.
If it wasn't for some fellow hikers I've met along the way I'd be stranded in Hot Springs with no means of access to funds for a few days. I've borrowed cash for town services and groceries from them and paid them back immediately online using PayPal, which has worked well.
Again, merely a heads up for the community. Maybe as a precaution bring an extra card hat you don't use, or a check or two just in case.
I wish everyone the best, and happy trails.