What if an ATM eats my card?

Stay calm. Most banks can retrieve cards within 24 hours during business hours. Visit the ATM's bank branch immediately with your passport and ID. Call your bank's international helpline if it happens after hours. The card will be kept secure; you'll either get it back or they'll express a replacement.

Should I withdraw in my home currency or local currency at the ATM?

Always choose local currency. ATMs that offer conversion to your home currency (called 'dynamic currency conversion') charge you a poor exchange rate—up to 10% worse. The ATM's default option is almost always the better deal.

Are ATM fees cheaper than currency exchanges?

Yes, significantly. ATMs charge $2-5 per transaction with exchange rates 1-3% above the mid-market rate. Currency exchanges at airports and tourist areas charge 5-10% markups and often have high flat fees. ATMs are your best bet every time.

What's a safe amount of cash to carry?

Carry enough for 3-5 days of expenses. This is usually $100-300 USD equivalent depending on your destination. Anything more is a security risk; anything less means you'll visit ATMs too frequently.

Can I use my credit card at ATMs?

Many ATMs accept credit cards, but they charge higher fees (often $5-10 per withdrawal plus interest immediately). Only use a credit card at an ATM in emergencies. Debit cards are always cheaper.

What if my bank doesn't have a partner network in my destination?

You'll pay a $3-5 foreign ATM fee plus your bank's international fee (usually $1-3 per transaction). This is still cheaper than exchanges. Use ATMs anyway. Consider moving banking to a bank with broader international partnerships before your next trip.

Is it safe to use ATMs at night?

No. Use ATMs during daylight hours in busy, well-lit areas. Late-night ATM use in unfamiliar places increases the risk of theft or assault. Plan your withdrawals during the day.

How to Get Cash at ATMs When Traveling

Use your bank's ATM network or partner banks to avoid fees, withdraw larger amounts less frequently, and always have a backup card. ATMs are the cheapest way to get local currency abroad—usually 1-3% better rates than exchanges.

Notify your bank before you travel. Call your bank 3-5 days before departure and tell them where you're going and for how long. This prevents your card from being flagged as fraudulent when you use it overseas. Give them your travel dates and the countries you'll visit.
Find ATMs in your destination. Research major ATM networks before you go. Search '[country name] ATM networks' or ask your hotel upon arrival. Take photos of ATM locations near your accommodation. The safest ATMs are usually in banks, malls, and busy commercial areas—avoid isolated street ATMs.
Withdraw the right amount. Withdraw enough cash for 3-5 days of spending, not just one day. This reduces the number of transactions and fees. In most countries, this means $100-300 USD equivalent. Carrying too much is a security risk; carrying too little means constant ATM visits.
Check your ATM fees before withdrawing. Most ATM screens show the fee in your home currency before you complete the transaction. Look for this information. Fees typically run $2-5 USD per withdrawal. Some banks waive fees for partner ATMs—check yours before traveling.
Use ATMs during business hours. Withdraw cash during daylight hours at ATMs in busy areas. Avoid late-night or remote ATM usage. If your ATM card is retained by the machine, you'll need to visit the bank during business hours to retrieve it or get a replacement.
Bring a backup card. Travel with a second debit or credit card from a different bank. If one card is lost, skimmed, or declined, you have another way to access cash. Keep the backup card in a separate location from your primary card.
Keep your PIN secure. Cover the keypad with your other hand when entering your PIN. Never use an ATM that looks tampered with or has loose parts. If something feels off, leave and find a different ATM.

What if an ATM eats my card?: Stay calm. Most banks can retrieve cards within 24 hours during business hours. Visit the ATM's bank branch immediately with your passport and ID. Call your bank's international helpline if it happens after hours. The card will be kept secure; you'll either get it back or they'll express a replacement.
Should I withdraw in my home currency or local currency at the ATM?: Always choose local currency. ATMs that offer conversion to your home currency (called 'dynamic currency conversion') charge you a poor exchange rate—up to 10% worse. The ATM's default option is almost always the better deal.
Are ATM fees cheaper than currency exchanges?: Yes, significantly. ATMs charge $2-5 per transaction with exchange rates 1-3% above the mid-market rate. Currency exchanges at airports and tourist areas charge 5-10% markups and often have high flat fees. ATMs are your best bet every time.
What's a safe amount of cash to carry?: Carry enough for 3-5 days of expenses. This is usually $100-300 USD equivalent depending on your destination. Anything more is a security risk; anything less means you'll visit ATMs too frequently.
Can I use my credit card at ATMs?: Many ATMs accept credit cards, but they charge higher fees (often $5-10 per withdrawal plus interest immediately). Only use a credit card at an ATM in emergencies. Debit cards are always cheaper.
What if my bank doesn't have a partner network in my destination?: You'll pay a $3-5 foreign ATM fee plus your bank's international fee (usually $1-3 per transaction). This is still cheaper than exchanges. Use ATMs anyway. Consider moving banking to a bank with broader international partnerships before your next trip.
Is it safe to use ATMs at night?: No. Use ATMs during daylight hours in busy, well-lit areas. Late-night ATM use in unfamiliar places increases the risk of theft or assault. Plan your withdrawals during the day.