Avoid “independent” ATMs When Withdrawing Cash Abroad
Here at home, an independent ATM machine may mean lower fees and convenient cash, but abroad it can mean problems. If you don’t need cash right away, use ATM machines inside or attached to the bank to avoid currency conversions and other astronomical fees.
So how do you tell a good ATM from a bad one if you don’t know the names or brands of the banks around you? Rick Steves explains how to tell the difference:
Most banking ATMs in Europe do not charge usage fees, but stay away from “independent” ATMs, which have high fees and may try to trick users with “ dynamic currency conversion ”. These ATMs (with names like Travelex, Euronet, Moneybox, Cardpoint, and Cashzone) are often found next to bank ATMs in the hopes that travelers will be too confused to notice the difference.
If you are traveling outside Europe, do a quick search before you travel to find out the common names used at your destination for these types of ATM machines. In addition to avoiding high fees, using ATMs also means you are less prone to fraud and can go inside the bank to ask for help if the ATM is causing you any problems.
Tips for Using ATMs in Europe | Rick Steves