Don't Be Tricked! 11 Top International ATM Withdrawal MISTAKES 💸 🏧
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- čas přidán 14. 01. 2023
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Greetings! I'm Nora Dunn, aka The Professional Hobo. I've been a digital nomad since 2006. I help people design their lifestyles and arrange their affairs so they can travel long term while working remotely. (I also have a ton of crazy travel tales to share from almost two decades of lifestyle travel).
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Want to save money and travel smart? Check out these other travel videos:
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@@HoolyDooly-si2zz Thanks for the tips.
Rule number one is to inform your bank before you leave and which countries you will be visiting, as well as taking a picture of your credit card front and back with your cell phone for reference in case your card is eaten by the ATM.
I agree about taking a picture of your cards!
But I don't bother informing my bank before I leave any more. It hasn't been effective in the past - my card still occasionally got flagged. My understanding is it's not even a requirement any more.
@@NoraDunn I agree. I told my bank that I was going to 6 countries in Africa and they said So? I thought they needed to know but they said their "anti fraud software" deals with that. It did not give me a warm and fuzzy feeling but it turned out OK in the end. I tend to buy my currencies at my bank but they refuse to handle some of them Fortunately most places take Ameros so it's all good.
You don't have to do that anymore, because of the chip inside your card. I still do it, but the bank keeps telling me I don't have to.
@@citizenoftheearth6 My Online bank site even has a drop down to notify them if I'm traveling abroad and for when and which countries I will be traveling to.
@@NoraDunn Chase does not require anymore but I still check with them
My tip is to have two accounts. I have my regular account, which has most of my money, and I have a "travel" account, which never contains more than a couple hundred dollars. I replenish the travel account as needed, by going online and transferring funds. That way, even if the worst happens and I lose everything from the travel account, I don't lose that much.
Great strategy, Joe!
I do the same thing. I have a dedicated travel debit card!
#10 just happened to me in Greece !! I had watched this video before traveling but I did not heed the advice as I should have. I used an ATM in Athens with a major bank name but not at the bank . The ATM kept my card and gave me no money . Fortunately for me , it was 11AM on a Friday and I could walk to that bank’s physical location for help. The bank was due to close for the weekend at 2 pm and I was to leave Athens on Sunday . What a mess that could have been as this was just the start of a 2 week trip !
I called my bank which reported that my bank card was fine and should work which it had done before this incident and after . I believe that the ATM machine was faulty .
Nora’s tip on this is very important information!
WOW - thank you so much for sharing your experience, Kathy! I'm so glad it all ended well for you. Whew!
A little something to tack on to online banking. Get the mobile app for your bank. If anything happens like your cards get lost you can lock it right away through the app. Can report it stolen and in some cases mark transactions as fraud. You can even move the balance from your checking account to an account not accessible by debit card :)
Great tip about having the app, Gita! I only recently started having banking/credit card apps on my phone, and it really does make things easier.
we recently purchased tickets for Europe in Sept and I started listening to travel tips on you tube. Your videos are "spot on", well produced and very informative. Thanks for your hard work putting these videos together and presenting them. I'm certain your advice will save me time, grief and most probably money on my upcoming trip. !
Woohoo! I'm glad my videos and tips have been helpful!
I have never done a foreign ATM mistake. I’ve always been super careful when I travel. I take cash with me and stick to that, and sometimes pay in stores with credit card. I never had any issues in 40 years. Not even a stolen wallet or purse. I’m super aware.
Good for you! That's awesome. Having a system and sticking to it is key.
You've been lucky!
After all my years of travel, I had my pocket picked on the Paris and Rome subways. The second time, Rome, I just had pocket cash taken - they left my credit card!!!
@@ronwloutzenhiser5953 WOW - now that's some talent, to only take the cash! I'm creating a video right now about pickpocketing; stay tuned!
Mr. Super duper
All great tips! Thank you so much for how to check for skimmers!
I agree totally on using an ATM connected to a bank during office hours. Plus, in South America we found that ATMs did not always have money on the weekends.
We also carry two different ATM cards if one doesn’t work.
Finally, we always request an odd amount, like $290 instead of $300 so we get some small bills.
GREAT tip about requesting odd amounts so you get smaller bills! When I lived in Peru and Ecuador I never knew what to do with the large denominations the ATMs kicked out; it's hard to break them, especially in small marketplaces. I had to visit large supermarkets or department stores and buy something small just so I could get change.
That's a great tip to get smaller notes!
Thanks for the tips, Nora! For years, I didn't realize that you could decline the conversion rate. I thought it would just cancel the transaction. But a fellow traveler finally mentioned it to me, and it was definitely an aha moment!
Ooh! Glad you know now!
Excellent video, Nora!! I knew them all except the cash advance one since I've luckily never had to do it, but had always thought of it as an emergency backup. Now I know how to do it properly if it comes to that! And with my memory, it's always great to reiterate this stuff in hopes that it sticks. haha 🙂 The only tip I'd add is to keep an eye on your surroundings, even at an inside-the-bank ATM: notice who's watching YOU! In the past few years, youtubers in Mexico have talked about a rash of robberies where someone is casually hanging out yet watches for ATM activity and calls a partner outside, who then follows you looking for the perfect time to mug you. So notice people loitering around with not business in the bank, or hanging around the ATM without using it and, if possible, hop into a taxi or uber the moment you leave the ATM rather than walk away on foot. Honestly, it's something we need to do everywhere! (and thanks for no music on this one, so much easier to pay attention to your amazing info)
EDIT: also remembered another one where one person says you've dropped something so you look away from the machine while in the midst of the transaction, while the partner grabs your card or cash and runs. The tip was to always go with a second person who stands next to you and never looks away from the ATM no matter what, or stands next to you facing the other people in line so no one can sneak up on you. Doesn't do much for us solo folks, other than being aware and trusting our spidey senses before using the machine.
More helpful tips, so thanks! Nora has a powerful message and such useful tips. I agree with you they're easier to absorb without the background music. Happy travels to all!
WOWEE! Fantastic additions- thanks for sharing!
@@NoraDunn ❤️
In Japan, foreign credit and debit cards can't be used at bank ATMs. You can however use them at ATMs in the post offices.
Good to know!
Japanese ATMs at the major airports tend to take overseas cards, regardless of what branding they have. That same branding outside the airport tends not to accept international cards though.
International cards will work at Japan Post Bank ATMs, as you found, as well as with 7andi Holdings ATMs (at 7/11s).
Interestingly, I had heard that one couldn't exchange Canadian cash for yen in Japan. Yes, you can! At the Shinjuku station tourist centre there is a machine there. Also, a higher end hotel I stayed at by Tokyo station also had a machine.
@@patriciafoster5332 There are also currency exchange places at the airports.
I've never had problems exchanging cash in Japan (or anywhere besides China). The only issue with currency exchange is coins, which is a problem almost everywhere.
Almost no one will accept coins except maybe some places near land border crossings.
Best place to get cash out in Japan. Seven eleven convenience stores. Bonus, they are everywhere.
Good tips, one more trick is that ATM's are not the only dangerous place for a debit card - o'seas hotel clerks may take your debit card info for their friend in the US who then charges items before you even get home. This is less an issue in USA, where hotels generally want a credit card anyway. CC's can be hacked too, but your recourse is much better for "stolen" credit than debit. In addition, use an ATM that locals seem to be using, in the usual well-lit area, and bank-branded or at a bank, of course. You may also wish to even go into the bank (why Nora says to go during working hours) and ask for help if you are not comfortable, or it eats your plastic, or you finish x-action and no cash emerges, etc. Frankly, most of Nora's ATM advice (including private ATM's at convenience stores) applies to USA too, private ATM's are usually owned by the store or a guy renting it out, not a bank. So, it's a profit center, with appropriate fees 😁
100%! I love your tip to use ATMs that locals appear to be using as well.
Thank You for sharing your experience and sharing tips with us!
Good stuff, thanks.
You are so right. Travelers really need to know this about international ATM's.
Thanks!
Really great video
Lots of great advice!
Thank you!
So glad you enjoyed!
Thanks, Nora. You continue to educate me. Much appreciated!
You're welcome, Dirk!
Great tips and love the last one the most. Keep up the good work.
Thanks!!
Great tips! Some I hadn't thought of or run into in my years of travel, so thank you!
You’re welcome!
Really well made video. Thanks.
Thank you!
Woau!!! Awesome 👌 video. Thank you soooo much for the information.😊
Glad you enjoyed it!
Such valuable information Nora. ❤ it!
Thanks!
After withdrawing your money, get your card back and THEN ENSURE THAT THE SESSION IS FULLY CLOSED. This is important because sometimes it looks like it has closed, but instead, a few seconds later, it might ask "do you want to make another transaction?" and if you have already walked away, the next guy will say "yes" and proceed to revise your finances for you. I almost missed that recently, as at my home bank atms, withdrawing cash terminates the session engagement, but such is NOT necessarily the case elsewhere.
Also, when entering your PIN, cover the whole keypad with your other hand to defeat any. camera positioned to capture your pin.
Fantastic advice - thanks!
Thank you for this valuable advice.
With pleasure!
Thank you for your time and posting. Always great editing. I took lots of notes. :)
You're very welcome!
Great stuff!
Thanks!
Wow! Good info here. Thanks!!!
Glad it was helpful!
While deployed to a European country. The exchange rate was in my favor. I went into the bank and asked about withdrawal rate at the ATM. Then said $10 a go! I told my fellow coworkers. Some didn’t listen. I did only two large withdrawals. My room mate made 10 total, in fear of getting robbed or picked pocketed. The bank did that for him.
Ha! Yep, the bank did that for him - well said!
Thanks for the tip good video👍💯
Any time!
Great information, learning alot. Thanks
Thanks Shirnett!
Wow, this is some incredibly helpful advice
Thank you so much!
I love the vídeo.
Thanks for your time 😊
Thanks for watching!
Bravissima Nora! Thank you for this super helpful video. Heading to Portugal next week, so this is a great refresher. This is my first lengthy international trip since the pandemic, so I feel like a novice again. Hoping my many years of experience will come back to me. Hoping also to kick my travel back into high gear. Happy Trails!
Happy travels! Exciting stuff ✈️
Great channel. Nice to see fellow Canadian’s making great content.
Woohoo! Thanks :-)
Great information! I was already online with most of these tips but it hadn't occurred to me to physically check for skimmers, I will from now on! I was in France last year when I received an email from my MasterCard company (who obviously figured out I was travelling despite not having to inform them anymore 😉) advising me to let them do the conversions on purchases to get a better rate. I double checked the offered conversion at point of purchase compared to what I was charged by MC and it was in fact better every time. I've just recently discovered you and love your videos, thank you! 🇨🇦
Thanks Debra!
Great tip about the cash advance!
I was super fortunate to have friends heading to Europe two months before me. I gave them USD and asked them to bring back Euros to get my trip off to an easier start. No need to worry about airport ATMs this time. Obrigado! If you have friends who travel often, ask if they'd like to sell you some foreign currency. One friend travels often to 27 countries and keeps an accordion folder for his currencies. He's always happy to pare down his stash.
Smart strategy for getting cash in advance! I’m currently making another video about a similar topic. Stay tuned!
You can buy major currencies at your local bank. (You can use a currency-exchange kiosk too, but the rates are likely to be higher.) If you want a large amount, call in advance to make sure they have enough in stock, or so they can get some in if necessary.
@@davorzmaj753 Yep! I talk about that in this video: czcams.com/video/h34rK_SZZaw/video.html
If you don't have any travelbug friends, you could also try eBay. I once sold some of my GBP online because they were changing some bills and I was not planning to travel to the UK any time soon. Oh, I think they also changed some coins, which you can't exchange at a bank. So, I sold my small stash of GBP at a small loss, but still better than it becoming worthless some time down the line.
@@Petra44YT I've never considered selling/exchanging cash on eBay!
Nora, I love your videos! Just subscribed to your channel. I've traveled outside the US before and instinctively used common sense. However, your videos take common sense to the next level when traveling abroad. Which, coincidentally, I will be doing soon! So, thanks again, I plan to employ tips from this video as well as others you have produced.
Thank you so much, Pamela!
I never use ATM'S overseas, if I need cash I go into a branch of a popular bank, I never carry more than $100 in local currency and I carry an old empty wallet as a decoy.
Good tips!
that's smart, Geoff :)
Does this mean that you do cash advances or?
@@Walleye5469 I have a travel card with money pre loaded for example " citibank" , I can use that card to withdraw cash from most bank branches around the world, I just don't use ATM'S.
good info . thanks
You're welcome!
In 2017, I was on vacation in the UK & Belgium...
*Before* leaving home I acquired a Debit Card, it was NOT associated with my bank account in any way.
I then pre-loaded it with 2500 GBP & 500 Euros for the trip (based on the amount of time I was spending in each country)...
I used this card *exclusively* for the entire trip and ended the trip with about 300 GBP & 50 Euros left on it. (Yes I over estimated what I'd need & I knew I was doing so. Better to have it & not need it than to run out with a week of vacation left.)
After I returned home I went to my bank and asked them to transfer the balance to my normal account AND do the international conversion then.
Great strategy! Prepaid travel cards can be great for overall security (not connected to your bank account), and also budgeting (can only spend the money on the card). It does come at a cost of fees to use the card and potentially higher conversion rates, but if the security and budgeting pros are important, it could be a justifiable fee.
Thanks for sharing.
Ugh, dynamic conversion/tip one happened to me just a couple of weeks ago, and I knew better. 😩
Great video!
Aw, sorry that happened to you! It gets us all at some point. I've been burned too.
Awesome video. Great information provided with clear, upbeat, up to date info and no rambling on and on with side stories. I found it very useful. I ended up watching it three or four times and took notes. It's going to help me in my up coming travels. Thanks for doing the video. I LIKED and SUBSCRIBED.
Awesome - thank you Nick!!
This is probably an advice that applies to European card holders: Be prepared that your cash card (and even your credit card) does not work in all the places. About 9 years back my daughter was not able to withdraw money from ATMs in Mexico for unknown reasons. She could not make purchases using her credit card either. After lengthy arguments with our (Austrian) bank it turned out that the response time of the Austrian (European) system was too long for the Mexican ATM machine (or system). - We then knew, that just a few international banks in Mexico (Bank of Scotland and HSBC) could communicate without problems with the European system. A few years later I had a similar experience in Peru. Whereas I had no problems to withdraw cash from ATMs in Lima, I could not do so in the province, when I needed it due to a health problem. I presume that that was for the same reason.
It's odd where cards work and don't work! None of my debit cards worked at any bank on the Caribbean island of Grenada for some reason. That was where I learned the lesson about making ATM withdrawals using a credit card ;-)
Yes, strange things happen. I used my Australian credit card in every country including some 'strange' ones. Suddenly in Spain it wouldn't work. Fortunately the friend I was staying with had wifi so I could make calls and hang out on hold to my bank who didn't know what was happening, forwarding me - more on hold- to the actual issuer of the card. Turned out in Spain I could only use a Citibank ATM... fortunately I was in a large enough city that there actually was one.
I had almost no cash on me - lesson learned. I always carry a fair bit with me now. Cards are just too 'computer says no' for constant comfort.
@@newgabe09 "Computer says no" - Ha ha - fair enough!
Thanks for this video. I did not know about private atm.
Glad it was helpful!
Really like your videos. (BTW - I think the Australia on your necklace is back to front.)
Thanks! (And, interesting observation about the necklace! I'll have to take a look. It's far from exact! And of course NZ is missing)
Great advise, I didn't think about checking for the currency exchange before going to the machine so you can gauge how much to withdraw. Love your necklace!
Thanks, Breta! Glad my tips helped.
Good advice
Wow, this is such useful information. Some things this experienced traveler was not aware of. Thank you soooo much for this education ❣️❣️This all requires some intense planning ahead, which I realize I must be better at!
I'm so glad you learned something new! Thanks for watching.
Great tips! We also switched to a Charles Schwab checking account. Not only does our bank not charge a foreign withdrawal fee, it also reimburses us monthly for any fees charged by the ATM. An excellent perk for long term travelers! Especially since some ATMs have a low withdrawal limit.
I was confused by the whole ATM conversion option until recently. The wording can be really tricky!
Thanks for your videos. 🌺✈️ Heidi
Yes, I hear Charles Schwab is the way to go for ATM fee reimbursements. Fantastic.
Happy travels, Heidi!
Story about a cash advance on credit card to get my husband out of Barbados Hospital. All doctors required U.S. dollars direct handed to them, either at the hospital they owned or standing in the steps outside the office. Extortion? Yes, likely, but husband was seriously I'll and needed to be flown promptly to ICU in Washington, DC. Doctors In Barbados would not sign expatriation form without payment in full. Gratefully we had the cruise line insurance, but it did not cover my fees for transportation to the capital to the bank that would advance me the $15,000 or more, nor the fees associated with using the credit card!
@@teresaforsyth6185 Holy moly that's awful! I'm surprised the hospital in Barbados didn't have a direct pay feature so the insurance company could cover the bill directly.
Glad you got it sorted out in the end, but WOW. Man.
I hope your husband has recovered fully!
@@SamBANKmanHeeb Great question. I personally have banked with TD since forever and they're pretty good. Most of the "Big 5" banks in Canada have various tiered types of accounts to choose from; consider choosing a tier that includes free foreign ATM withdrawals so you don't get popped for $5 each time. These types of accounts often come with a monthly fee, but that can be waived if you maintain a certain balance.
EQ waives tx fees and withdrawal fees
My tip is travel with two different cards and never store them at the same time/place - if the card is stolen, lost or stuck in the machine you still have a backup. Plus remember to open up the country if you have card Blocks on it
Great strategy and advice! Thanks :-)
Thanks, great information. I would add that some banks have partner banks in some countries. When I visited France (from US) a few years ago I checked the BankofAmerica website and they partnered with BNP Paribas and using BNP’s ATMs would avoid the non-BankofAmerica-ATM fee of $5. Still had to pay the 3% international transaction fee. Unfortunately I was in a small mountain village that only had an agricultural bank. Luckily I ordered euros from BOA that showed up in 3 days and I had estimated the right amount for 2 weeks $800. I brought crispy new $100 bills as a backup ($1,000), but I didn’t have to convert. We were in an AirBNB and I felt safe leaving cash back at the house hidden.
Thanks for the tip, David!
Great video. I also try and use an ATM in a bank during business hours since it did happen once that an ATM in Mexico ate my debit card. I was banging on the bank window and yelling like a banshee in order to get my card back within the five minute window of opportunity. I got my card back! I also scope out bank ATMs that give the card back BEFORE dispensing cash so in case I space out, I get my card back.
Glad you got your card back, Marcie!
Beautifully presented. Eliminating background music is a triumph. Thank you for that. I’m proud of you. Stay safe always…
Thank you very much!
Thanks Nora, I woke up at 4am this morning wanting to view ATM videos as I am leaving for Portugal in 4 hours. When I turned on CZcams...there YOU were! Thank you so very much for your information I had no clue about skimmers. Your videos are AMAZINGLY helpful. Obrigado e adeus!
Thanks Susan! Always happy to help out a fellow traveler with a 4am hankering for ATM videos. ;-)
You're already on the way (woohoo!), but wanted to share that skimmers are a huge issue here in the US as well, so Nora's tip about pulling on the scanner needs to be a habit even at home. I was a grocery manager, and part of the daily checklist for the front-end managers and gas station attendents was to check for skimmers. In fact, gas stations are easy prey since the pumps are out in the open, and many close down at night. Read recently that a Walgreens location had a skimmer, and it's right up front at the register!
@@leapintothewild - YES!!! I totally check for skimmers now wherever I am in the world. And I heard that US gas station pumps are some of the worst for being rigged.
Deb here. We stopped at a gas station in Maryland and I went in to get us drinks while my husband gasses up the van. He did not know it at the time, but there was a skimmer on the card reader. Later in the day the bank called him to see if he had made purchases elsewhere in Maryland and he said no. Since he used a credit card we were not obligated to pay the charges. The bank said to avoid this happening again, go inside to pay for the gas.
@@rickgonzalez1218 absolutely - paying inside avoids that problem. But also, yay for credit cards! You're not liable for fraudulent charges.
Thanks!!!!
That's some great advice Nora, thank you very much,, I'm going to México in a few months,(first time overseas ever) and I have to say that using the ATM'S and being ripped off is my biggest concern 🤣, thanks very much from Australia
Have a great trip! Glad these tips helped.
OK, Nora, I'm going to give you some love and subscribe. 😂
Ha ha - thanks!
This will be me 1st time exchanging money, going to Seychelles. Very helpful video, thank u
You may want to check out my episode about currency exchange! Some great tips in there: czcams.com/video/h34rK_SZZaw/video.html
Great idea on not accepting the exchange rate on the ATM✍- taking notes for upcoming trip!
Thanks Zoe!
Good advice. Denying currency exchange rates requests can be tricky sometimes especially in other languages. I always decline but have been tricked once in Guatemala. I generally with draw equivalence of to reduce overall fees I would pay with multiple visits.
Good tip!
The last tip is a good one - pay in advance for the amount you might withdraw, and then some, just to be safe.
The balance for no-fee foreign withdrawals is crazy high, like 200K
A comprehensive set of smart, practical tips. The last one was a new one on me. Thank You. FWIW, my one mistake with an overseas ATM was being unaware of the net cost of a non-bank machine.
Ooh - non-bank ATMs are the worst! Sorry you had to learn that one the hard way.
@@NoraDunn Thanks for your reply. I recall that it was a Geldautomat in Germany. In my case, it was no big loss -and I learned that not all ATMs are created equal. Your nicely-done video is must-viewing for all overseas-bound travelers.
@@BGTuyau Thank you so much!
Much Appreciated!!! Gawd, those skimmer things are _awful._ How creepy!
Super wise tip to stick with established bank atms, & especially indoor ones in the later hours...
Also, unless I can help it, I never use ATMs after banking hours. And never ever late at night when the chances of ATM-related thefts are higher.
With all this great info, it just might be easier for me to take the hit and get Euros at the bank.. I might pay a fee, but well worth it. I won't have to look over my shoulder, or look for scammers etc.
True, but then you have to carry cash (which can get lost or stolen)! It's a trade-off, and a personal choice.
I remember when travelers cheques were the way to travel overseas. Fees less than 2%, cheques with serial numbers, and replaceable if stolen or lost. Far better than credit or debit cards. No scammers to steal your money and personal data. No lining up at atms wondering if you will get robbed. And great for buying stuff from individuals who did not have a business. Like buying a few books from someone on the street where you were staying. Great also for small purchases. Or for paying tips at restaurants and at airports. No hidden traps like the banks are springing on you at every turn now. And wait till the cashless economy comes, when your money deposits into your account expire after 6 days.
Wow! I'm not nearly as pessimistic about our current situation as compared to when we used travelers cheques. Perhaps I didn't travel in the "heyday" of travelers cheques - I found them difficult to cash, as they weren't widely accepted.
I think the advances we have made technologically have more than made up for the challenges in managing it. But I do understand your point of view.
Yes, travellers' cheques were great. You could just go the the American Express office, which every major city and major tourist spot had (as well as many smaller locations) and take care of any theft issues, as well as cash them. They also gave you real-time awareness of how much you were spending.
I was recently traveling in Chiang Mai, Thailand. All the 🏧 's in the main tourist area would only allow a withdrawal converted to usd, incurring a poor conversion rate, in addition to a $6 withdrawal fee. Luckily, my Schwab bank reimburses worldwide withdrawal fees.
I had similar challenges in Chiang Mai a few years back. Too bad it's still happening.
The image of ATMs at 7.42 in the video are ALL bank ATMs (Thai banks, in fact). From left to right - Siam Commercial Bank, Thai Farmers Bank, Bangkok Bank, Krunsri Bank and Bank of Ayutthaya.
Thanks for weighing in!
My bank in England does not charge us to withdraw money when abroad.
Yet those pesky machine owners charge $10 dollars per transaction. Even when we go inside the bank to use machines we are charged again.
It’s the same in Spain also.
Thanks for sharing!
Great vid, TY! Just wondering what all one would need cash for, given ease and security of Visa/MC (heading to Ireland / Scotland soon for a month)?
In Ireland/Scotland, you'll be able to pay for pretty much everything with cash I would assume. Not always possible in some countries.
Really interesting, Nora. I was expecting the last tip to mention interest payable, immediately, but only in relation to the cash withdrawn, not the whole balance. This Brit will look at his cards' Ts & Cs more closely.
In Rio a couple of weeks ago. Had difficulties sourcing Brazilian currency before I got there so planned on using my debit card in local ATMs - and, one after another, they declined the transaction. The lifesaver was the Spanish bank Santander. And having some dollars in my pocket.
It's always good to have some dollars on hand! Interesting the Brazilian ATMs didn't want to play nice with your debit card. Are credit cards widely accepted there?
@Nora Dunn I tried the debit card at 2 Airport ATMs - my pre-paid taxi hadn't materialised, BTW - and at 3 Brazilian bank branches.
My Mastercard worked well, in the hotel, at the tourist sites and in local restaurants. A number of vendors on the beach also had card-machines with them. I declined offers to use those!
I had an ATM in Austria eat my debit card on a Friday evening. As I was passing through. On Day 2 of an 18 day motorcycle ride. Yeah. This was 14 years ago and it's still fresh in my mind.
Re: interest charges on cash withdrawals - normally only the amount advanced is subject to interest charges. But that depends on your specific bank's policies.
I do like your tip on establishing a positive balance for an advance to draw against and, of course, you can go online and pay the card's balance from your hotel that night - assuming online banking.
I'm sorry you had that trouble in Austria! Indeed those memories tend to feel just like yesterday - ha ha!
That skimmer problem is real! I had my ATM card skimmed in a grocery store ATM in Port au Prince. Somebody I was traveling with had it done in Cape Town. Fortunately for me, my bank covered the charge and took the loss, so I was a bit inconvenienced, but not out any money.
And one important thing: I have one of those home bank accounts where the bank pays for all the fees, everywhere in the world.
Glad your bank covered the fraudulent charges! Also, great tip about having a bank account that reimburses for foreign ATM fees. Which bank is it?
@@NoraDunn - We have Chase & they remove all extraneous fees from ATMs anywhere in the world. We’re “premiere” (that & a metro card gets me on the subway😂!) customers but I think it’s the basic “signature” account that does it for all. Oh & in the U.K. they got rid of all ATM surcharges (excepting currency exchange fees) maybe 15 or so years ago. You’d only pay whatever bank fees your bank charges & for the 45 yrs of travelling overseas currency conversion which is *always* best thru your bank. Just found your channel in time for our next visit overseas & so glad I’m binge watching! Thanks for all the fab info! 🧡🎸🎶⚡️ PS btw nearly no one except the chemists & supermarkets take cash in London. I see the travel advantages for those of us privileged to have CCs etc… but it makes me think of all the people who can’t get one & the DISadvatages for them😢.
Thank you for providing a simple explanation on how credit card ATM withdrawals work! I've been confused by the murky guidelines on how the credit card companies and banks apply these!
Glad it was helpful!
@@NoraDunn If you're ever in the Caribbean again (Trinidad to be specific), lunch is on me!
@@MVR0001 Thanks!
#10 is major! A friend used a bank ATM after banking hours in Italy. Luckily we were not leaving that town until a couple of days after so she could go to the bank the next morning when it was open to retrieve her card.
Whew! I'm glad she got her card back!
Hi Nora; EQ Bank has a great prepaid credit card available.... load it up, earn interest and cashback on purchases..... no extra fees.
We have also used the prepaid CIBC AC conversion card, load it up, convert any amount to the currency you need and use like a debit card abroad. Also cashback and no fees.
Great video and great advice.
Ooh - great tips, Bernie - thank you!
We travel all the time. Definitely, have 2 or 3 online banks that contain little money. Never use your main bank account; never use your credit card: these are for emergency use only. Always use a private sim card... so, in a new country, get a sim for that country. Never use public wifi to do any online booking, banking, etc. If you do be prepared to get all your details stolen...
Never let your cards out of your sight. Never do this. No business needs to make copies of your card numbers, but some businesses try this.
Stay safe.😊.
Thanks for the tips, Richard!
My greatest ATM mistake - which, at this point, could amost be considered a hobby - has been to leave my ATM card in the machine and then walking away from the ATM with the card in it. I have done this on four different continents: Africa, Europe, North America, and South America.
Ha ha - wow! You only have a few more continents to go, and then you get the ATM prize! ;-)
Thx for all these valuable tips. I was stung at a bank in Paris. Vowed never to withdraw cash there again. Have bought Euros here in 🇦🇺 before I go. The rest of the time I’ll use my contactless card. This vid of yours is needed. Thx.
Thanks Anne! I too use credit cards / contactless payments wherever and whenever possible.
Yes Nora, contactless cards are the way. Bringing a little cash for possible gratuities and if needed in my countryside foray. Thx again for your tips.
Many thanks, Nora! I'm leaving to Bavaria in the morning, so I'll definitely take my debit card with me. I was actually planning to use cc for cash. Duh!😅
Whew! I'm glad I saved you from trying to withdraw cash from the ATM with your cc!
Sorry about the problems that you endured.
This is a cruel world; at least far too often.
Glad to see that Peru is finally using the Euro
You will likely run into a similar problem every time you use the credit card too, whether at a restaurant or at a store. After all making a credit card purchase overseas is the same as making a cash withdrawal.
Actually that's not true. A credit card purchase abroad is not the same as a cash advance. I charge almost all my expenses abroad to credit cards.
I can only concur with you. As a past frequent traveler, that was the first thing that instantly came to my mind when I saw the title of this video: never let the ATM do the conversion for you, always withdraw an amount in the local currency and let your bank do the conversion afterwards. Another point, though I don't k now if it's valid worldwide (I live in the EU): even at home I never withdraw money with a Visa card, their commission is outrageous, I always use my Maestro card instead, at home or not.
Thanks for sharing!
In Thailand you can actually go into the bank and withdraw through the teller there's only a small fee from the bank
Great tip Stanley!
Most apps have the facility to place your card on hold. I leave mine on hold till i need to use it then take it off hold. After use, place it back on hold. Always take more than 1 card if travelling.
Great suggestions! Thank you
A big tip is to let your bank know you're traveling international just in case your transaction gets blocked for security reasons depending on your bank. Make sure you ask them about it.
I used to alert my bank, but it didn't eliminate (or even reduce) the number of times my debit card got flagged and blocked when used abroad.
I asked my bank (as well as a credit card company) about it a few years ago, and they said it's largely unnecessary, but can't hurt.
I'll also note I haven't had a debit card blocked/flagged since 2017, but that could be as much about where in the world I've been since then as it is about technological advances since then.
great tips and the last one was a doozy
Ha - thanks James!
I found it extremely revolting when I'm being charged huge fee for withdrawing in the SAME currency!!!
I live in a part of France where I'm only a 10 minutes drive to Luxembourg, a 20 minutes drive to Germany and a 40 minutes drive from Belgium all of which use the Euro as national currency.
As I spend a lot of time traveling to the neighboring towns, I've been had a few time when I've been charged 6€ for a 20€ withdrawal in Germany, 4€ for a 50€ withdrawal in Luxembourg, and based on my past experience I've learnt not to use it in Belgium but I've been told it's roughly the same, these fees are a real nuisance for the locals of these 4 bordering countries 😡
Wow - that's ridiculous!
Scary!!! I guess I have been lucky or these scams/charges were not being used years ago when we traveled in Europe or Canada. I may have been ripped off a little and just missed it, but the only problem I had was in Venice, Italy when the machine was doling out amounts of cash insignificant for our needs.
Tip Number Eight 7:32 "If you can avoid them, don't use private ATMs. These are ATMs not associated with a major bank."
Shows an image of five ATMs -- Siam Commercial Bank, Kasikorn Bank, Bangkok Bank, Krung Thai Bank, and Krung Sri Bank -- all major banks. The last tip is useful. I load extra money on my credit card (above my credit limit) before travelling and then I'm not charged interest on cash withdrawals.
Yep, my ex- used to withdraw cash on our joint credit card *a lot*. It's why I'm so follically chalenged.
Good vid - you should do this stuff for a living! 😀
Ha ha - the credit card withdrawal thing is DEADLY!
She does do this for a living!
@@rebeccarawlings1757 That's where the humour lies in my comment - then again, 'if you've gotta explain it, it just ain't funny!' 😂
When I was in Trinidad W.I. I used an ATM at a bank and before I could take my money from the machine it went back into the ATM. I talked to the bank person and they “checked” the machine and informed me that there was nothing wrong and would not give me my money. I notified my USA bank and disputed the transaction and they got the problem sorted out and the bank gave me my funds. This took several days so if you were a tourist it could have been a problem. My suggestion is to grab your money as soon as it is dispensed .
Wow - That's an odd thing to happen! Mental note: grab money and run ;-)
Years ago I was using an ATM and it simply swallowed my card after I entered the PIN incorrectly a couple of times. Fortunately the bank was open and they were able to unlock the ATM and retrieve my card, as well as let me set a new PIN. It was the bank that issued the card. Don't know if this might still happen but it was harrowing!
@@MsShoshi99 Glad you got your card back! This is testament to using a bank ATM attached to the bank itself.
I haven’t been ripped off by an ATM. However was with a friend at a $ exchanger and he was pick pocketed right there at the window. He got his money put it into his bag and when we walked outside he reached into his bag and it was gone. Obviously he didn’t close his bag.
WOW that's unfortunate. I have another video coming soon about exchanging money and scams and such.
Thanks for this useful information 😀. Other options after having your card eaten by atms could be mobile phone payments using apple or google. Doesn't help if you are in country where only cash can be used.
I pay by card / mobile payments as much as possible anyway. But yes, doesn't help in places where cash is required.
Hi Nora! I am an avid traveler (to Asia) but I learned two new things from your video! Thank you. I do always keep the foreign amount and don't request a conversion as I knew this - but now I am wondering if I was ever tricked into the local bank doing it when I thought my US credit card bank was doing so. Is there a way for me to check now that I have returned home?
Hard to say how/if you can check, but if it's already done, I wouldn't give it too much energy. Now you know going forward!
There may be reason to deliberately use a credit card to withdraw cash in foreign ATM's. On mine (a US$ card) keeping a positive account balance waives all fees and no interest is charged. Check first these rules with your issuing bank.
Interesting!
Another common issue is using the card too many times, even if it is at different ATMs. I have had my card taken because my pathetic bank (Bank of America) kept declining my ATM usage despite telling them I would be traveling. I got left without cash for a week in Costa Rica because I tried to get cash on a Friday and the personnel that opens the ATM machines at the branch only came on Thursdays. I had tried 5 or 6 times at different ATMs and different banks entirely. If it doesn't work after one or two tries, try the next day.
Ooh - wow - that’s really good advice about waiting until the next day.
I have had debit cards not work because I’m abroad (even though there was a travel alert on my account). Now, if it doesn’t work once, I immediately call my bank - they usually know what’s up and can release the freeze on the card.
A similar thing happens in Santiago, Chile, but it’s Friday. All atm’s run out of money pretty rapidly on Friday so beware!
Rick Steves says to withdraw no more than $200 at a time, and on that very day, don't do it again.