Have you ever imagined the best way to use your ATM in Europe or any other country? It’s important to know all the best possible ways to use your ATM which might help you in some way.
If you consider Europe ATMs are the easiest and smartest way for travelers to get their cash quickly.
The one downside is you’ll pay withdrawal fees, but you’ll still get a better rate than you would be exchanging dollars for local cash at a currency exchange booth that has terrible rates.
Unlike the U.S., Europe hasn’t completely adopted paperless payments in their countries, so it came in handy to have some cash in your wallet when traveling through the region.
This is especially important if you plan to travel to smaller towns or shop at local markets, which might only take cash from you.
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When you try to search the cash withdrawal machines, you will find ATMs everywhere in Europe like airports, scattered across cities, train stations, etc). The good thing about all the ATMs is, It has English language support which is pretty much known by everyone.
It’s very useful when because when you go into another region they have their own language but you might not understand so you don’t have to worry about knowing their languages to use the ATMs.
It’s possible to avoid ATM fees, but you need to know a little extra to do that. That’s why this guide is for.
Here we’ll tell you how to use your ATM in Europe and also make sure that you’re only charged for the amount you withdraw.
Table of Contents
1. Finding the right ATM machine in Europe
The first thing that you can do while withdrawing cash, Take the cash from bank-run ATMs located just outside that bank. Try to use the machine during the bank’s opening hours, so you can go inside for help if your card is munched.
Bank ATMs usually do not charge usage fees and are generally more secure, as a thief is less likely to target a cash machine near surveillance cameras.
Many European banks place their ATMs in a small entry lobby, which protects users from snoopers and bad weather.
The main point is to try to Avoid “independent” ATMs, such as Travelex, Moneybox, Euronet, Your Cash, Cardpoint, and more.
The worst part about these types of ATMs is they have high fees and may try to trick users with “dynamic currency conversion.” They might also have signs that scream “Free Cash Withdrawals” it’s better you don’t believe it right away.
2. Before leaving your Home
Before you leave make sure you only take the cards you plan to use wherever you are planning to go. Leave the other cards in a safe place at home, unless you feel that you are going to need them later.
If your cards are registered with a card protection agency, make sure you have their phone number and your policy number with you, which comes in handy when you get in trouble sometimes.
The first thing I suggest everyone, Note down the emergency phone number for your cards you will find the numbers on the back of the ATM’s card.
You can write those numbers and keep them on your cell phone or somewhere which will be safe, in case they get lost or stolen you have a backup.
One good thing that you can do is tell your card provider, where you’re going and give them your contact details (including a mobile number).
If you don’t, they might think you’ve been a victim of fraud and cancel your card. If you have other cards then take one more card just in case, if your card is blocked then you can use your next card to withdraw cash anytime.
3. ATM Security
Be aware when you’re using the ATM in Europe. Make sure people are not looking over your shoulder and use your hand to cover up the whole number pad as much as you can while entering your PIN.
Just like in the picture below, I do this most of the time It’s very essential to hide your pin while entering your 4 digit PIN.
4. Once you reach abroad
Always shield your PIN when using a keypad or ATM machine in Europe, just as you would at home.
Always protect yourself from the crammers where someone might call you have asked for the bank details or the ATM PIn n all, by telling you that they are calling from the bank.
Don’t trust them banker never calls you for the details keep that in mind, even if they claim to be from the police or your bank.
Keep your eyes on your card. Never let it out of your sight when you pay, especially in crowded places like bars, shopping malls, restaurants, etc.
5. Use Debit Card in Europe
Never use your Credit card at the ATMs in Europe or any other place, Credit card is not meant to be that type of purpose you will end up paying huge amount of fees because Using a credit card will be treated as a “cash advance”.
Credit cards are often used for online purposes while buying something, which is very handy, and also EMI payments where you don’t have to pay the full amount the first time you buy something.
You can choose their plan and the company will automatically deduct the money from your bank in a certain period of time. So always take a Debit card with you, which is meant to use for those types of purposes.
6. Check Your Withdrawal Limits
Checking your withdrawal limits is very important before you end up hitting your daily limits. Some banks put a daily limit on how much cash you can withdraw, so it’s essential to know those basic things.
If you’re on a budget you probably won’t reach this limit, but it is good to keep in mind. You can also sometimes request to have your withdrawal limits raised, whenever you need.
7. 4 Digit PIN Code
Your ATM card has to have a 4-digit numerical PIN code. European ATM machines won’t accept more extended numbers, Unlike American keypads. European pads don’t have letters on them so make sure you know your number.
You might be wondering why ATMs uses 4 Digit PIN code then it’s a small story if you want to know you can go through this article. The reason your ATM code is 4 digits.
8. Keep Your Bank’s Phone Number, Handy
In case if you find yourself in some kind of problem like your ATM not working, taking high charges, or maybe losing your ATM card and you don’t know what to do next, Then you had to call your bankers because you couldn’t fix the problem online.
Make sure to bring your bank’s phone number (and register for telephone banking before you leave) so you can quickly inform them of any issue that arises.
9. Don’t use ATMs in weird locations
Don’t use ATMs in weird locations in Europe. Using ATMs you find in hotels, local 7-11s, or some other random place is a bad idea. They’re convenient, but you’ll pay for that convenience.
They always charge high ATM fees and offer horrible conversion rates. The best way to use ATMs in Europe is to find a major bank SO you can skip those ATMs
10. Avoid extra ATM charges In Europe
In addition to the withdrawal fees mentioned at the beginning of this article, using private (non-bank-affiliated) ATMs in Europe can result in additional charges and commissions. Private ATMs can also be a security risk, so they’re to be avoided whenever possible.
Only use your credit or debit card if it has low international usage fees. If your card charges a fee each time you use it abroad, use cash, your credit card, or a prepaid card instead.
The best practical way that I found is to withdraw lots of cash at once. If you are planning for a long trip where you need a lot of money. Thus, us unless you have a card with no transaction fee for cash withdrawals abroad.
Take out enough for several days, carry what you need, and leave the rest securely where you’re staying.
One of the most effective ways is, you can choose to pay in the local currency whenever you get a chance. It’ll probably cost you less since most retailers won’t give you a great exchange rate.
Which is the best debit card to use in Europe ATMs?
Revolut has often been called the best travel debit card in Europe.
And it’s easy to see why – free cash withdrawals in over 140 currencies are available also with a free account, instant top-ups, real-time exchange rates, and a beautiful and easy-to-use app, and the list grows only longer.
Revolut now also offers travel insurance, mobile phone insurance, personal loans, disposable virtual cards, and cryptocurrency support.
Revolut prepaid card uses the interbank exchange rate, known also as the mid-market rate and the real rate. That’s the same rate banks use when swapping currencies with one another.
How can I avoid ATM fees in Europe?
The best way to avoid ATM fees in Europe is to use a debit card that’s part of a large network
One way to avoid the fees from out-of-network transactions is to use a debit card that’s part of a large, international network. One popular option for those traveling abroad is to have a SoFi Money Checking account.
Do ATMs in Europe charge a fee?
Bank ATMs usually do not charge usage fees and are generally more secure, as a thief is less likely to target a cash machine near surveillance cameras. Many European banks place their ATMs in a small entry lobby, which protects users from snoopers and bad weather.
What is the best way to get cash in Europe?
European travelers should always have some cash on hand; getting it from an ATM abroad is usually the easiest, most advantageous way. Credit cards are generally accepted, especially in cities; but check with your card issuer about foreign transaction fees and currency exchange fees.
Which bank has no international ATM fees?
If you’re an avid international traveler, it could be worth opening an account with an online-only bank, as these banks are often particularly keen to cut out ATM fees for customers traveling abroad. At N26, they cut out fees for foreign currency ATM withdrawals for Black, Metal, and Business Black cardholders.
Capital One 360
If you’re looking to open a checking account purely for international ATM purposes, then a Capital One 360 or Schwab Bank account makes the most sense with no monthly fees or minimum account balance requirements.
What is the cheapest way to withdraw cash abroad?
Cards can be the cheapest way to pay for things and withdraw money from cash machines abroad, but only if you use the right one. Using your usual credit or debit card might result in expensive overseas fees. You could save a lot by getting a special ‘travel-friendly credit, debit, or prepaid card before you go.
Is it cheaper to exchange money at home or abroad?
Although this depends on many factors, including which currencies you want to convert and which country you are traveling to, generally speaking exchanging your money AFTER you travel will provide you with a more favorable exchange rate. The answer is very simple: the more common the currency is, the cheaper it will be.