Using your Atm Card in a Foreign Country

ATM/Cash Withdrawals

Cash withdrawals from an ATM machine are the easiest, quickest and cheapest way to obtain the locale currency of a country.

Before Going Abroad:

1. Double Check Your Password:

The majority of ATM machines around the world only accept 4 digit passwords, if your password is longer than 4 digits make sure you contact your bank before you depart and create a shorter password. Also be aware that the majority of password key pads around the world only list numbers, if your password contains letters make sure you know the number equivalent.

2. Notify Your Bank Account/Credit Card Company:

Sudden activity in a foreign country might send up red flag warnings to your bank or credit card company causing them to put a hold on your debit or credit card. Avoid this by contacting them and letting them know that you will be traveling abroad.

3. Obtain Emergency Contact Numbers:

In the event that your debit or credit card is stolen while you are abroad, you want to make sure you no what to do. Contact your bank and/or credit card company and ask them for the procedures you should take in the event that it happens. Ask them for the international access number to their company from the country in which you will be.

4. Locate ATMs Abroad:

Look on the backside of your Debit/ATM/Credit card, if there is a Circus sign (associate with MasterCard) or a Plus sign (associated with Visa) then your ATM card is compatible with all ATMs that accept that sign around the world.

To locate Circus ATMs around the world visit: www.mastercard.com/us/personal/en/cardholderservices/atmlocations/index.html

To locate Plus ATMs around the world visit: www.visa.via.infonow.net/locator/global/jsp/SearchPage.jsp

Using Your ATM Card Abroad:

TIPS:

-Upon arriving in a country be sure to make your first withdrawal at the airport where there is always an ATM on site.

-When withdrawing money abroad at an ATM machine not associate with your bank you will be assessed fees (just as you would if you were using it domestically at an ATM machine not associated with your bank). You will probably be charged $1-4 per withdrawal depending on your bank (check with your bank for exact fees). Since withdraw fees can quickly add up minimize your withdraws by limiting your visits to ATM to once per day and withdrawing higher amounts.

- Many ATM machines have a cap on how much money you can withdrawal per day (usually $300-500).

-Many banks have a cap on how much money you can withdrawal per day (usually $500-700).

-In order to avoid being given large bills when withdrawing request an add amount (50, 70, 90, etc.)

- If you bank is member of the Global ATM Alliance (Bank of America, Barclays, etc.) you can withdrawal cash from any of the other banks in this alliance for no additional fee. For further information visit their website: www.scotiabank.com/cda/content/0,1608,CID8040_LIDen,00.html

For further information about using your ATM card and other travel tips visit Glamour Getaways at http://www.glamourgetaways.com

Joanna Lehmann
Glamour Getaways LLC
http://www.glamourgetaways.com