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Ultimate Guide to Using ATMs Abroad: The Best Tips for Money Safety & Saving While You Travel

Last Updated on January 16, 2024 by Michela

Traveling is an expensive venture and there’s no doubt about it. So, it’s no wonder why people become so anxious about money while traveling. Carrying cash is a necessary evil of traveling because you never know how widely accepted your credit or debit card is. But, you can always trust businesses will take cash in their own currency. Using ATMs abroad is an essential part of traveling, whether it’s for an unexpected emergency or you’re traveling long-term.

What’s the right amount of cash to carry when you travel? How do you avoid paying fees? Do you have access to your accounts abroad?

These are all important financial questions to determine before take-off. Through my budget triumphs and my own money mistakes while traveling, I’m pointing out the best money tips when it comes to using ATMs abroad and traveling with cash.

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Before You Travel: Researching ATMs & Money Musts

Notify your bank of your travel plans.

This is the #1 tip I suggest to you before traveling and planning on using ATMs abroad. Set up a travel notification with your own bank so you are able to get cash while traveling.

Just like if you don’t have a travel notification on your card and it gets flagged as fraud when used in a new country, you also won’t be able to take out any amount of money from any ATM with that card (at least if your bank is good at their job.)

This exact thing happened to me in London on a weekend trip. My bank knew I was studying abroad in Italy for a few months, but I didn’t notify them of my last minute trip to another country. I tried to get British pounds and the ATM wouldn’t even take my card!

Most banks allow you to set a travel notification through their app or on their website. You could also call to let them know your dates of travel as well as get information on how much you will pay in fees abroad with your card and account type.

Consider a Travel Credit Card

Many banks, airlines, and even hotels offer credit cards specifically made for frequent travelers. By using these cards (dependent on the individual type), you’ll usually be able to earn points, miles, or cash back on purchases to go towards travel.

The other typical benefit of these cards is no foreign transaction or ATM fee. Every time you take money out of an ATM that is not your home bank, you are charged a fee. Certain travel credit cards may waive these fees or have significantly lower fees. However, they could charge you an annual fee to have the card, which most basic credit and debit cards won’t charge.

You can also consider a travel or airline credit card to receive perks like free checked bags, which is one of my tips on saving money on airline baggage fees .

Opt for a Card with a Low Transaction and ATM Fee

As I mentioned previously, travel credit cards (depending on the type) may waive fees when used abroad or have significantly lower fees. If you don’t specifically want to sign up for a travel credit card, still keep in mind the fees associated with whatever card you are looking to choose.

Your bank likely has a comparison chart on their website or the ability to filter different cards based on their fees, benefits, and more. This can make it easier to see what card fits your lifestyle best.

If you like to travel but don’t travel all the time, you might go for a card that’s the middle ground – more cashback rather than points and miles, no annual fee, but still low fees for foreign transactions and withdrawals abroad.

Research the Banks in the Area You are Traveling To

Several things about researching the banks around the area you are traveling to can help you when figuring out what ATMs to use abroad. Firstly, you can look at the physical locations of the banks/ATMs so you have an idea of where you can get cash easily or in a pinch. You can even factor this decision into what hostel, Airbnb, or hotel you’ll stay in.

Secondly, you will be able to recognize trustworthy ATMs by knowing what banks are used in the country you are traveling to. In big cities in Europe, for example, there are ATMs along the street that aren’t attached to a bank. These ATMs are a bit sketchier, so I would avoid using them.

Figure Out How Much Cash You Actually Need

While you travel, your actual need for cash will vary greatly on a variety of factors. Firstly, what is your destination like? Is it commercial, big, and popular? Then most places will likely take card. Is it rural and small? Then having cash in the correct currency is probably necessary.

Is the area known for pickpocketing or are you unsure about its safety? Then I would take less cash (or scroll below for my secret way of carrying cash around!)

I always have a bit of cash in the foreign currency when I arrive to the destination. This is in case I need to pay for a taxi or need emergency money. I usually don’t take more than 100 or 200 dollars worth of cash before I arrive because I prefer using my card and not carrying lots of cash on my person.

Estimate how much you might need for something like a taxi and then times that by something like one and a half. I like to overestimate, but I don’t like to convert all my money to cash (as it’s much better safely kept in my bank account.)

While You Travel: Using ATMs Abroad & Cash Tips

Avoid street atms – use atms in or attached to banks.

Stand-alone ATMs that are outward-facing on the street (common in Europe) are not the safest ATMs to use. Moreover, they are especially unsafe to use if they are not attached to an actual bank’s name.

I always use ATMs inside a bank or attached to it. Fees tend to be less and the security is so much better.

ATMs that are exposed on the street can be easily compromised or tampered with. They are also in public view, so you never know if someone could be taking note of your information!

Store Cash in a Money Pouch

While you’re traveling, carrying cash is important in case an emergency comes up. Carrying a significant amount of cash, however, also makes for an anxious traveler! Pickpocketing is commonplace in destinations where tourists can be easily targeted. The last thing you want is to convert lots of currency and have it stolen from you on vacation!

That’s why I always travel with a money belt . It is inexpensive, lightweight, and discreet. Just stash your cash (and even your passport, hotel key, etc.) and clip the belt around your waist under your shirt.

Exchange Cash at the Post Office – Lowest Rates & High Security

Every traveler also has concerns about where to exchange currency. If I’m exchanging currency in my home country of the US, my first choice would be to do it at the bank. It’s the most secure place to do it and usually has low rates. Airports usually have the highest rates for exchanging currency.

When abroad, avoid exchanging currency at small currency exchange shops that just scream tourist trap. The bright colors, the tiny storefront, and the fact that they are placed in the most tourist-y of areas like city centers is a red flag for high rates and low security.

Abroad, there are some countries that do currency exchange at the post office, like in Croatia, which I preferred of all the locations to exchange currency.

Carry an Anti-Theft Backpack

When taking out money at an ATM abroad or simply walking around with cash and valuables, I always travel with an anti-theft backpack. My WANDRD photography backpack is so good for travel in general because you can only access the main compartments from the zipper against your back.

There’s also a secret pocket on the back big enough for your passport and some cash.

Whether or not you are ready to invest in an anti-theft backpack like the WANDRD one, I at least recommend always travel with purses or backpacks with strong zippers and closure. No open tote bags here girl!

In busy areas and popular tourist spots, I even recommend keeping the bag in front of you. I witnessed a pickpocket cut off the straps of someone’s backpack and take it!

I promise you don’t have to be worried and anxious 24/7 while traveling with money. You just have to be street smart and aware of your surroundings and all will be well!

Final Thoughts

Overall, use your street smarts when it comes to exchanging currency and using ATMs abroad! If it looks sketchy, it probably is. Unfortunately, many tourists fall into the trap because it seems too good to be true.

Always do your research before you travel and use these money tips to save and travel with money wisely!

Share these tips on Pinterest if you found them helpful!

I wish all my lovely readers safe money travels in the future! I love addressing topics like this related to traveling because a lot of elements can make you feel anxious before making a big trip. But there’s no need to worry if you have the right information available to you!

Happy travels!

Michela is a travel writer and photographer living in northern Italy. She is passionate about helping people make the most of their travels by sharing advice gained from her personal experiences, off-the-beaten-path destinations and time-saving quick itineraries. Browse her top articles or have her help you plan your itinerary to your dream destination!

Find me on: Web | Instagram

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Touring the Top 10 Moscow Metro Stations

By Claudia Looi 2 Comments

Komsomolskaya metro station looks like a museum. It has vaulted ceilings and baroque decor.

Hidden underground, in the heart of Moscow, are historical and architectural treasures of Russia. These are Soviet-era creations – the metro stations of Moscow.

Our guide Maria introduced these elaborate metro stations as “the palaces for the people.” Built between 1937 and 1955, each station holds its own history and stories. Stalin had the idea of building beautiful underground spaces that the masses could enjoy. They would look like museums, art centers, concert halls, palaces and churches. Each would have a different theme. None would be alike.

The two-hour private tour was with a former Intourist tour guide named Maria. Maria lived in Moscow all her life and through the communist era of 60s to 90s. She has been a tour guide for more than 30 years. Being in her 60s, she moved rather quickly for her age. We traveled and crammed with Maria and other Muscovites on the metro to visit 10 different metro stations.

Arrow showing the direction of metro line 1 and 2

Moscow subways are very clean

To Maria, every street, metro and building told a story. I couldn’t keep up with her stories. I don’t remember most of what she said because I was just thrilled being in Moscow.   Added to that, she spilled out so many Russian words and names, which to one who can’t read Cyrillic, sounded so foreign and could be easily forgotten.

The metro tour was the first part of our all day tour of Moscow with Maria. Here are the stations we visited:

1. Komsomolskaya Metro Station  is the most beautiful of them all. Painted yellow and decorated with chandeliers, gold leaves and semi precious stones, the station looks like a stately museum. And possibly decorated like a palace. I saw Komsomolskaya first, before the rest of the stations upon arrival in Moscow by train from St. Petersburg.

2. Revolution Square Metro Station (Ploshchad Revolyutsii) has marble arches and 72 bronze sculptures designed by Alexey Dushkin. The marble arches are flanked by the bronze sculptures. If you look closely you will see passersby touching the bronze dog's nose. Legend has it that good luck comes to those who touch the dog's nose.

Touch the dog's nose for good luck. At the Revolution Square station

Revolution Square Metro Station

3. Arbatskaya Metro Station served as a shelter during the Soviet-era. It is one of the largest and the deepest metro stations in Moscow.

Arbatskaya Metro Station

4. Biblioteka Imeni Lenina Metro Station was built in 1935 and named after the Russian State Library. It is located near the library and has a big mosaic portrait of Lenin and yellow ceramic tiles on the track walls.

Lenin's portrait at the Biblioteka Imeni Lenina Metro Station

5. Kievskaya Metro Station was one of the first to be completed in Moscow. Named after the capital city of Ukraine by Kiev-born, Nikita Khruschev, Stalin's successor.

Kievskaya Metro Station

6. Novoslobodskaya Metro Station  was built in 1952. It has 32 stained glass murals with brass borders.

Novoslobodskaya metro station

7. Kurskaya Metro Station was one of the first few to be built in Moscow in 1938. It has ceiling panels and artwork showing Soviet leadership, Soviet lifestyle and political power. It has a dome with patriotic slogans decorated with red stars representing the Soviet's World War II Hall of Fame. Kurskaya Metro Station is a must-visit station in Moscow.

Ceiling panel and artworks at Kurskaya Metro Station

8. Mayakovskaya Metro Station built in 1938. It was named after Russian poet Vladmir Mayakovsky. This is one of the most beautiful metro stations in the world with 34 mosaics painted by Alexander Deyneka.

Mayakovskaya station

One of the over 30 ceiling mosaics in Mayakovskaya metro station

9. Belorusskaya Metro Station is named after the people of Belarus. In the picture below, there are statues of 3 members of the Partisan Resistance in Belarus during World War II. The statues were sculpted by Sergei Orlov, S. Rabinovich and I. Slonim.

10. Teatralnaya Metro Station (Theatre Metro Station) is located near the Bolshoi Theatre.

Teatralnaya Metro Station decorated with porcelain figures .

Taking the metro's escalator at the end of the tour with Maria the tour guide.

Have you visited the Moscow Metro? Leave your comment below.

January 15, 2017 at 8:17 am

An excellent read! Thanks for much for sharing the Russian metro system with us. We're heading to Moscow in April and exploring the metro stations were on our list and after reading your post, I'm even more excited to go visit them. Thanks again 🙂

December 6, 2017 at 10:45 pm

Hi, do you remember which tour company you contacted for this tour?

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