The ATM maze: how to withdraw cash abroad without paying extra

Taking money out of an ATM abroad seems simple… until the questions start, the fees appear, and strange messages show up on the screen.

Here’s what you really need to know to use ATMs outside your country without losing money — or your calm.

Why do ATMs abroad charge fees?

When you use your card outside your country, several parties are involved:

– your bank

– the bank that owns the ATM

– sometimes, the company that converts the currency

Each one may take a cut.

If you’re not careful, withdrawing the equivalent of €200 can cost you between €5 and €20 just in fees and poor exchange rates.

Are there ATMs without fees?

It depends on your bank and where you are.

Practical rules:

– use ATMs from large, well-known banks

– avoid independent ATMs in tourist areas

– be cautious with bright yellow ATMs (they usually charge more)

Before you travel, call your bank and ask which ATMs they recommend at your destination. That one call can save you a surprising amount of money.

The exchange-rate trap

Many ATMs ask:

Would you like to pay in your home currency or in the local currency?

👉 Always choose the local currency.

When the ATM does the conversion, it uses a worse exchange rate.Your bank will convert it later

— usually at a much better rate.

Simple rule:

Local currency = cheaper.Your currency = more expensive.

If the ATM keeps your card

Stay calm.

Do this:

– write down the ATM details

– call your bank to block the card

– if the branch is open, go inside and explain what happened

That’s why it’s always smart to travel with a backup card.

If money is deducted but not dispensed

It happens more often than people think.

What to do:

– keep any receipt or note the time and amount

– call your bank

– open a claim

In most cases, the money is returned within a few days.

Basic ATM safety

Use:

– ATMs inside bank branches

– well-lit areas

– machines in good condition

Avoid:

– isolated ATMs

– machines that look tampered with

– strangers offering “help”

And always cover the keypad when entering your PIN.

Before you travel: three important things

– tell your bank you’re leaving the country

– write down the emergency phone number on paper

– carry two cards if possible

Small steps that prevent big problems.

Quick summary

✅ use ATMs from well-known banks

✅ always choose local currency

✅ avoid tourist ATMs

✅ keep ATM details if something goes wrong

✅ call your bank without hesitation

Travelling calmly also means knowing how to use an ATM.

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This article is part of our Travel help section, where we talk about moving around the world with calm and good judgement.