The ATM machine is Santa Claus, until you get coal. The Women’s Travel Group meets women who have an ATM fear, women without an ATM card or a PIN. Some women do not understand that ATM’s give out local currency. Many women are terrified to use an ATM machine overseas. We love money so why are we scared of ATM’s?
Example 1 You have not traveled in a long time and fear the ATM? First obtain a card from your bank. Get a PIN for the card. The PIN comes with the card but you can change it. Here is one bank’s instructions.
Try the card at home, so you get the feel of this service. When you experiment, check into the machine for the area where you change the PIN if you wish. The Women’s Travel Group recommends you change the PIN and keep it in safe place.
Example 2 You are worried about ATM’s, someone might steal card details while you use the machine. Solution: if possible, go into a bank. Then use the machine inside. Have someone from our group go with you as your ‘safety patrol’. If alone, choose a machine in plain view with no one around.
Example 3 You don’t know how to find fees? Go for bank ATM’s rather than non bank machines. A non bank ATM might be the one at your hairdresser. To find English, somewhere on the screen will be a UK or US flag or English wording. Click there and instructions will be in English. If not, find another ATM. The fee will be a set amount: like $4-5 for any transaction. If you only take out $50, you are paying 10% fee. Watch out for this, unless you are desperately low on cash. If you want to withdraw a large amount of cash the percentage is lower.
Example 4 You are not a banker so you do not understand exchange rates for the US or Canadian Dollar. Type into google: dollar rate for euro or any currency. You will see the inter-bank rate, which you will definitely not get as a ‘serf’. To get a retail rate, you might have to be brave. Begin a withdrawal at the ATM, see how much foreign currency you are getting for your $. If a bad rate, do not proceed. Cancel the transaction and move on. Remember Mrs. Jones from first grade? You will need her math class here.
More:
Some apps show where best bank ATM’s are located for your card.
Some hotels will exchange cash at the Front Desk or Cashier.
Some merchants (especially in countries with volatile currencies), are happy to make a deal for $US.
Some money exchange places in larger cities have decent rates. They usually face the street so be vigilant.
Finally, if you use an expired card, yes the machine might eat your card.
Travel Money Tips from The Women’s Travel Group, who arrange small group luxury tours for women. You may see our current tours here:https://www.thewomenstravelgroup.com/tours/. Or call us 646 309 5607. 30 Years of experience and hands on assistance,
