Using ATMs Abroad – What Actually Matters
ATMs may look similar, but they are not equal.
Fees, exchange rates, limits, and security can vary more than most travellers expect.
ATM reality:
Most detailed location posts in this series include a short local ATM section where relevant, showing what was available on the ground and what to avoid in that specific area.
Start with security, not fees
The first question is not which ATM is cheapest.
The first question is whether it looks safe to use.
- prefer ATMs inside or attached to bank branches
- avoid isolated street machines if better options exist
- be cautious with ATMs placed next to exchange shops or tourist traps
Street ATMs can be more exposed to tampering, theft, or aggressive fee setups.
Watch for fake covers and card theft
Not every machine is as safe as it looks.
Some fraud setups use:
- fake card slot covers
- keypad overlays
- small hidden cameras recording PIN entry
Before using an ATM:
- check whether the card slot looks loose or unusual
- cover the keypad when entering your PIN
- avoid machines that look damaged, modified, or poorly maintained
If something looks wrong, walk away.
What you are really comparing
ATMs may stand next to each other and still work very differently.
- different operators
- different fees
- different withdrawal limits
- different conversion behaviour
What looks like a simple cash withdrawal can produce very different outcomes.
The real problem
This is where most people lose money.
Not the ATM fee.
The conversion.
The trap: “Convert to your home currency?”
When withdrawing abroad, the machine may offer to convert the amount immediately.
- “Convert to EUR?”
- “Accept conversion?”
- “Guaranteed exchange rate”
This is where the real loss often happens.
What to press
- Decline conversion
- Withdraw in local currency
Let your own bank or card provider handle the exchange.
If you accept the ATM’s conversion, you may lose around 5–12% instantly.
Bank ATM versus tourist ATM
As a general rule:
- real bank ATMs are usually the safer option
- independent or tourist-focused ATMs often apply worse terms
This does not mean every bank ATM is perfect, but it is usually the better starting point.
Practical withdrawal tips
- withdraw larger amounts less often if fees apply per withdrawal
- keep some cash, as not all places take cards
- avoid relying on the first ATM you see in a tourist area
- check your card’s own foreign withdrawal fees before travelling
Small mistakes repeated over weeks or months become expensive.
Borderless money for borderless living & business
Travelling, house sitting, nomadic living, or earning across borders?
Reduce unnecessary FX fees and card friction by separating cross-border spending from your local bank flow.
Final rule
Use bank ATMs where possible.
Withdraw in local currency.
Decline conversion.
And if the machine looks wrong, do not use it.