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Durant
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Imboden's
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ATMs and Exchange Machines
ABOVE: Need local currency? Head for the nearest "bancomat," "cashpoint," or other ATM machine Cash is the fuel that drives your vacation, and it comes in many different flavors. The simplest way to obtain local currency abroad is by using an ATM or automated teller machine. An ATM will normally give you a better exchange rate than you'd get if you were buying foreign currency with cash or traveler's checks, since the exchange is made at the interbank wholesale rate. (But watch out--some banks are now charging "conversion fees" on top of the interbank commission. See my ATM Conversion Fees article for details.) Europe was slower than the U.S. and Canada to join the ATM bandwagon, but today you'll find ATMs nearly everywhere you look in Western Europe. The names may vary--"Bancomat" is popular in Italy, for example--but the machines are easy to recognize. Just as important, many European ATMs have instructions in several languages to make life easier for the tourist. The situation in Eastern Europe is a little trickier. Although the number of ATMs has grown enormously over the past few years, you may want to carry a stash of traveler's checks when visiting smaller cities and towns or nations with weak economies. Tips for using ATMsMake sure your ATM card is compatible. Does your bank's ATM card have a Plus, Cirrus, Visa, MasterCard, or EuroCard logo? These networks operate throughout Europe, so you should be able to find a compatible machine if the answer is "yes." (Still, it's a good idea to check with your bank, since a handful of banks put restrictions on overseas use.) Have the right kind of PIN. MasterCard/Cirrus recommends a four-digit PIN (personal identification number) for use with ATMs in its European network. The Visa/Plus network accepts four- to six-digit PINs. Your pin should be numeric, not alphanumeric--e.g., "1245," not "ab12." If necessary, ask your bank to change your PIN or translate it into numbers before you leave home. Don't change small sums. Most banks charge a flat fee for each ATM transaction outside their own networks. (For example, my bank now charges US $3 for each withdrawal from a "foreign" machine at home or abroad.) If a withdrawal of 50 euros costs as much as a 300-euro transaction, it makes sense to get the higher amount--assuming, of course, that you have a safe place for the extra cash and will be in the country long enough to spend it. Carry a backup credit card. If you lose your ATM card or a machine can't read it, your Visa or MasterCard will be a lifesaver. You'll also find a credit card handy if your expenses are higher than planned and your bank account runs dry. (If you have an American Express card, you can use it to obtain money at that company's European offices.) Bring along cash or traveler's checks. A modest supply of cash or traveler's checks is nice to have if the ATM link to your home bank isn't working. Be prepared for surprises. Reader John Koeller reports that the MasterCard/Cirrus ATM Locator showed machines in Slovenia, but those ATMs wouldn't dispense cash to non-Slovenians at the time of his visit. If you're visiting countries that are off the main tourist path, it may be wise to post questions in advance on Usenet's rec.travel.europe newsgroup. This way, you can get up-to-date reports from other travelers who have visited the country recently.
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