At an ATM, distraction is all it takes.
Last week, I was coming out of a metro station, when I noticed two European backpackers staring at an ATM. As I rode down the long escalator behind them, I could see they were squinting at the screen, unsure about fees or how much to withdraw. They didn’t notice that two men watching them until it was almost too late.
These men were clearly watching the two young women and the very large numbers in local currency flashing up, as the girls earnestly discussed their options. Out of concern, I paused when I reached the ground and watched the men watching the women.
The men then moved closer and closer to the machine, to the point where they were almost leaning over the women’s shoulders. The women were they were so focused on the screen, they were oblivious to anything around them. At that point, I walked straight up to the young women, and said, “You guys okay?” They looked at me, slightly startled, and I said, “You realise you’re being watched.“
They glanced behind them mid-transaction. At this, the two men stepped back, realising they’d been spotted. The women immediately cancelled the transaction, withdrew their card, and came over to me. “It’s pretty safe where we are, and you’re in a pretty safe area,” I told them, “but you have to watch yourself.“
My ATM Rules
I have gathered a list of ATM rules over my years of travel. Let me know what you think.
Before travel
- These days, as I almost never use cash, I manage to avoid using ATMs altogether most of the time. On my last three trips to Europe, I’ve used cash four times, two of which were to get rid of old Euro coins I’d been holding on to for years. I use physical and virtual cards, Apple Pay. In Asia, I use QR code payment systems and WeChat Pay.
- I use a Wise card for international transactions: no account-keeping fees, usually zero ATM fees. They provide a virtual as well as physical care. Here’s a link to my Wise: https://wise.com/invite/dic/martinc5. You get a region-specific sign-up bonus, and I get one as well.
- Advise your bank/card issuer of travel plans (I have to give a list to mine). Set daily withdrawal limits and know how to freeze your card through the app. If in doubt, freeze immediately.
- When I do take cash out, I take a larger amount, in smaller notes, to avoid going back. Fewer trips to the machine, fewer chances to be watched.
- I look for fee-free ATMs overseas. ATMs Near Me is a great app for this. Many UK supermarkets, for example, don’t charge. In some countries, private ATMs can charge you up to $10 US per transaction, and the fee isn’t always avoidable
Around the Machine
- If there are two of us, we use the buddy system. One casually watches the street (without making it obvious) while the other does the transaction.
- I only use ATMs attached to bank branches, in shopping malls, or in well-lit areas. Ideally, it’s near my hotel. Never on street corners, never at night. I keep some cash on me when I arrive, so I don’t need to get money immediately.
- I check the machine itself for skimmers: a loose or wobbly card slot, or a keypad that feels stuck on, are red flags.
- I go in knowing exactly how much I’m taking out. No hesitation: card in, PIN in, cash out, card out. Don’t rush in. Take a look around before you approach the machine. Have your card in your hand or pocket as you approach. I always cover the keypad with my other hand while entering my PIN, even if no one’s obviously watching.
- I always decline the ATM’s own currency conversion (DCC). Choose to be charged in local currency, as it’s almost always cheaper.
- The scariest sight is watching elderly tourists pulling out a piece of paper with their PIN code written on it because they got the card just before the trip. Change your code to one you can remember
- The cash goes straight into a hidden, secure pocket. I’m always amazed by how many tourists stand on the street counting their money right after withdrawing it. If you don’t trust that the machine has given you the correct amount, check it inside the bank branch or a shop, never on the street. Then head straight back to your accommodation. I don’t carry all my cash on me at once.
Trouble Shooting
- I keep at least two cards (in fact, more), stored separately. I’m always surprised by the number of travellers who can’t access any money because all their cards were in one phone case or wallet that got lost or stolen.
- I keep a card hidden somewhere unlikely: inside a book cover, in a laundry bag, or tucked in with the underwear. One of my female friends keeps a card inside a packet of tampons. She reasons no male will go rummaging through that packet!
- I set withdrawal alerts on my banking app, so I notice unauthorised use fast. Wise is great for this.
- If the machine shorts you, report it to your bank from your hotel room; they’ll investigate with the ATM’s bank. It can take a while, but you’ll usually get the missing cash back.
- If a machine eats your card or acts strangely, walk away and call or message your card issuer. Do not linger to troubleshoot.
- Save your bank’s international number somewhere accessible even without your phone. eg in the clould
What are your tips? Let me know in the comments...
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