Out of country ATM use

[chadci]

I'm planning to take enough cash so I don't have to use an ATM machine out of the country, but, if I do... Will the ATM show USD or the native currency of the country I'm in? Will it give me USD or the countries currency?

[jotabecu]

It will give you the currency of the country you are in

[PatriciaF]

You will usually get the currency of the country you are in. Depending on your bank, there may be a fee to use a foreign ATM.

 

Someone posted that in some countries at some ATMs, you are given a choice of currencies (Euro, local, etc.) but I wouldn't count on that. Did not see that in Spain, France, Italy, Germany, or the Czech Republic.

 

If you use a Capital One credit card there isn't a currency conversion fee.

 

I would carry a lot of cash on a vacation myself.

 

If you are just cruising the Caribbean--everyone accepts the US dollar--but make sure you know if the amount with the dollar sign is US dollars or their countries dollars. Can result in a big surprise.

[Captain Canuck]

http://goeurope.about.com/cs/currency/a/atm_use_europe.htm

 

you need a 4 digit pin code for europe

 

much safer to get cash as you need it rather than carrying cash for the whole trip

[uppitycats]

It'll give you the currency of the country you're in. I never carry a lot of cash with me, and try to use my CapitalOne credit card for most purchases, as they give me the best exchange rate without charging a fee.

[chadci]

Thanks guys, exactly what I needed to know.

 

I plan to take plenty of cash but you never know when something unexpected might pop up

[sweet tooth]

I prefer ATM's but if you take cash, avoid $20's. Most countries who like US money, also want clean, crisp bills, nothing torn, not been through the washing machine or written on. My bank has a book of 25 one dollar bills, they call it a tip book. Wish they did it in 5's and 10's but they're good about giving me clean money.

 

I've unexpectedly received US money at a Playa del Carmen ATM, everywhere else I've received local currency.

[sultan_sfo]

One seldom sees the fee for the "foreign" ATM because it is already deducted in the money doled out to you. But my bank also charges a $5 fee for using a foreign ATM. Still ATM is the best way to get currencies such as Euros.

 

Some Precautions: Stick to ATMs that are "bank" ATMs (usually outside the bank) and avoid stand alone or retail store ATMs in case the ATM swallows your card. Make sure the language is English. Not all ATMs dispense cash with foreign ATM cards even if they have the appropriate logos. All steps are gone through but no cash comes out. I experienced this in Venice and Rio. But I was not charged a fee for this incomplete transaction.

[imsulin]

I agree with using Capital One. Way back when, we went to Thomas Cook to get colones for our two week trip to Costa Rica, and punts for our week-long trip to Ireland. (Lovely, lovely trips!) I've heard that pricing in the French Caribbean islands (Martinique, Guadeloupe, St. Bart's, and French St. Martin specialty shops) is done in Euros, and whether paying by US cash or credit card, your US dollars will be converted to Euros - automatically by credit card.

[chipmaster]

I can't recall ever seeing Canadian Dollars, Euros, or Pesos at any US ATM. Expect only local currency in foreign ATMs ;)

 

The best exchange rate almost ALWAYS comes from local ATMs. Converting USD on ship, or in the exchange windows at airports or other places usually result in easily another 10% loss in value. Unless you are talking small amounts I'd rethink your currency strategy. Always good to have USD, and when in foreign country the local currency. ATM is generally easiest.

 

Good luck,

 

I'm planning to take enough cash so I don't have to use an ATM machine out of the country, but, if I do... Will the ATM show USD or the native currency of the country I'm in? Will it give me USD or the countries currency?

[cruisinreunion]

I thought I read somewhere that you can get cash from the casino. Maybe this will be an option on re-upping your cash supply. someone also mentioned just buying some chips, and then turning them in at the cashier in the casino for dollars. I woulnd't use an ATM-my friend was ripped off in Mexico when she used her's, charged an exorbitant fee and then also charged a few to convert it to Peso's, and then mischarged. It is probably rare, but her $100 transaction cost almost $300. This was a few years ago, so may be no problems now, but I am not taking any chances.

[smeyer418]

I thought I read somewhere that you can get cash from the casino. Maybe this will be an option on re-upping your cash supply. someone also mentioned just buying some chips, and then turning them in at the cashier in the casino for dollars....

this varies by cruise line. NCL charges nothing at this time for the casino, some other cruise lines charge 3% if you use your on board account to get cash. All if you use your credit card in the casino(as opposed to your cabin account) will charge it as a cash advance. there is generally an ATM in the casino that you can use for about $5-10 US per ATM transaction.

Most cruise lines charge the credit card out of the US location so if you are from outside the US you will get charged whatever your bank charges to convert. There are a couple of cruise lines that charge using a location outside the US so most US banks will charge the same 3% anyway-MSC I think for one but I am not sure of that.

 

Most ATM's I have used outside the US warn you when they charge a fee in addition to whatever the exchange rate and your home bank will do....

some do and some don't.

[PatriciaF]

Re-read what I posted--Note: I would NOT carry a lot of cash with me on vacation.

 

Use that Capital One credit card--if traveling with a spouse get a separate account in his/her name. Then, if one is lost or stolen, you have one that still works.

[SheilaNC]

I agree - do not carry a lot of cash with you. Pick Pockets and other thieves are very smart and losing cash means losing everything. We've never had a problem with ATMs - if you're concerned re: the extra charges, be sure not to take out small amounts multiple times. And be careful using the ones in arrival terminals. They are notorious for being observed the those who wish to rob you. We think that after spending thousands for a trip, spending a few extra dollars for ATM fees is a good trade-off.

[Fattony]

You will obviously get the local currency, but I gather that what you're asking is whether the display on the ATM will show how much local currency you're getting or the amount of USD deducted from your account. Usually you'll see just the amount in the local currency (you have to look later to see how many USD were deducted, including any of your home bank's fees), though if you are deducting from an overseas branch of the same bank you have at home, it may well show how many USD will be deducted from your account. When I use my Citibank ATM card at a Citibank in Brazil, the display shows my current balance at home and how many USD will be deducted (I had to say how much in local currency I wanted, at the start), and asks if I want to go ahead. If I use Banco do Brasil, I just see local currency. In Brazil, at least, not all ATMs work with foreign debit or credit cards. Contact your bank at home and tell them where you're going.

[ISurfTooMuch]

If you're going to need an ATM card a lot, then you might check out BBVA Compass. They offer a build-to-order checking account that lets you add the features you want, and two of them are a no-fee ATM and the reimbursement of any other bank's fees on ATM transactions. If you add these two features, you essentially get an ATM card that you can use without fees anywhere in the world.

 

Naturally, this is most convenient if there is a branch local to you, but, if not, I guess you could deposit money using electronic funds transfer and just use it when you need to travel.

 

http://www.bbvacompass.com

[ovccruiser]

Just a point, not only will the ATM pay the local currency, it will also show the local language, if you can speak all the langauges, no problem:D However, the layout of ATM's are the same so memorise the key positions and you should be ok, worked for me in Portugal and I cannot speak Portugese.

[jjb415]

My bank has a book of 25 one dollar bills, they call it a tip book. Wish they did it in 5's and 10's but they're good about giving me clean money.

 

That is a great idea, I have never heard of this. :)

 

Some Precautions: Stick to ATMs that are "bank" ATMs (usually outside the bank) and avoid stand alone or retail store ATMs in case the ATM swallows your card.

 

VERY good advice also for avoiding high transaction fees.

[Fattony]

Just a point, not only will the ATM pay the local currency, it will also show the local language, if you can speak all the langauges, no problem:D However, the layout of ATM's are the same so memorise the key positions and you should be ok, worked for me in Portugal and I cannot speak Portugese.

 

The ATM at the Citibank here in Fortaleza, Brazil let's you choose between Portuguese and English. That is the exception to the rule, however.

[sultan_sfo]

Same in Rio and Santarem -- except one must pay attention and switch to the English mode "before" inserting the ATM card. Also the sequence was different because one had to insert the ATM card a second time before the cash popped out.

 

The ATM at the Citibank here in Fortaleza, Brazil let's you choose between Portuguese and English. That is the exception to the rule, however.

[PatriciaF]

The ATMs I have used throughout Europe have had a variety of language selections. However, one trip WAMU was transitioning to Chase and didn't allow use until we called using the instructions on the back of the card.

 

Be sure to call your bank and your credit card companies and let them know what countries and when you plan to use your card(s). If you don't, the transaction may be rejected.

 

Also--once again, if traveling with a spouse, make sure you each have a card the other one doesn't have, so if you are pick pocketed you will have a credit card that will still work. Learned that one through experience.

[smeyer418]

Just a point, not only will the ATM pay the local currency, it will also show the local language, if you can speak all the langauges, no problem:D However, the layout of ATM's are the same so memorise the key positions and you should be ok, worked for me in Portugal and I cannot speak Portugese.

I must tell you its pretty universal that all ATM's at banks have a choice of language and not just the local one. I used the ATM's in Uruguay Chile and Argentina last week and they ALL had an English language option

[PatriciaF]

My local ATM has English, Spanish, and 3 Asian options.

[rimau]

I used one in Bankok that had English until the crucial screen that would not let me go farther. I discovered that the system defaulted to checking and I needed to get it from savings. I had to stop a stranger to translate.I ran into that another time in Morocco. Now I always make sure I have lots in both accounts before I leave the country.

[musicismylife]

OP: if you are planning on taking cash on your vacation, please take the currency of the country you are travelling in. Don't presume that they will take US cash.