Traveling abroad incurs lots of expenses that we can’t avoid. In today’s modern world, credit cards and traveler’s checks make our vacations easy and worry free, but let’s face it: being armed with cold cash can save you in many a desperate situation and even save a potentially disastrous day. While credit cards are now accepted worldwide from big shopping malls to quaint little coffee houses, not all establishments accept them. For example, street vendors in Hong Kong offer numerous items from handbags to AA batteries to sunglasses and pillow cases, but they only deal with cash; a real silk scarf can be had in the bazaars in Istanbul, but only if you have the money to buy it with. This is precisely the reason why ATMs machines are like a shining beacon of hope to travelers making their way in a foreign country. Ask around among travelers and they’ll probably tell you that one of the first things they look for upon arrival at their destination is and bright, shiny ATMs.

These machines offer a solution to the eternal problem that faces a traveler in a foreign country: obtaining money quickly and without fear of getting fake bills or being shorthanded. Since you’re dealing with a machine, all transactions are done on a wholesale rate. What’s neat about ATMs is that you can find one practically everywhere, from airports to shopping malls, transport terminals, and sometimes even right inside a fast food chain. With the help of modern technology, ATM cards nowadays are treated somewhat like credit cards, meaning they’re “connected” within a network or a group of banks and can be used in over a hundred countries across the globe.

On the other hand, some travelers have to experience the unfortunate incident of popping their debit card into an ATM only to find out afterwards that not only does that particular machine refuse to give them cash, the entire country has been blocked by your card company because of widespread fraud in the area. Believe us when we say that there’s nothing more frustrating than standing in front of an ATM feeling helpless and undeniably cashless.

The problem of international fraud has gotten so bad that a number of countries in different parts of the world such as England, the Philippines, Greece, Thailand, Japan, Romania and Singapore have been blocked by different banks to prevent the occurrence of anomalous transactions. Depending on the bank’s predicted risk for a certain country, they can also opt to block certain transactions such as those relying on pin numbers, and those relying on signatures from account holders. Alas, banks aren’t required to keep their customers updated regarding the bans that are being implemented; that is because by keeping mum about the measures being taken against international fraud, criminals have a harder time of figuring out how much information the banks know about them and their operations. A good tip would be to check out your bank’s website and looking up which international debit cards are accepted in your destination before embarking on your trip.

Here are a couple more tips gathered from other tourists and also travel agents when it comes to using ATMs in trips to foreign countries:

1. Pack for all contingencies

Money talks; but that being said, you should always be prepared for all contingencies and bring along your credit and/or debit cards, and also traveler’s checks. If you’re handling cash, make sure you have both bills and coins so you won’t have a hard time asking around for some change to buy a soda from the vending machine, or to pay the guy at the food stall. Hard cash is handy because it can be used for everyday expenses such as food and transportation, but for bigger expenses such as paying for your hotel accommodation or buying plane tickets, using a credit card may prove to be faster and easier. Having five credit cards is also easier than stuffing lots of bills in your wallet, just make sure not to get carried away when you’re swiping your card or you might get a headache when you see your bill by the time you get home.

It’s also useful to have some traveler’s checks in your bag. This way, you can use them to pay for almost anything from clothes in the department store to your hotel accommodation, but not have to worry about losing a big amount when you accidentally lose them or get robbed.

2. In the event that an ATM is giving you a hard time, visit a nearby bank

Making a transaction via ATM these days sometimes feels like dealing with a real live person. You can choose which language you want to conduct your transaction; it asks you a question in which you give a corresponding answer; and it bids you goodbye after handing out the cash you asked for (some tricked out ATMs even have built in speakers). But as efficient as this can be, ATMs are still only machines that run on preconfigured programs. If you encounter a problem while trying to withdraw money from a machine, it is best to visit a nearby bank and ask for some assistance.

Lots of banks nowadays issue debit cards that also double as credit cards, so you can get cash advances on your card during emergencies. Admittedly, availing of this service will cost you a bit more because of the increased interest rates, but at least you know that a solution is just a phone call away.

3. Keep emergency contact numbers handy

We don’t want to jinx your trip, but there a number of things that can go wrong while you’re abroad such as your credit card failing to work. In moments like this, it’s useful to have your bank’s customer service hotline or e-mail address so you can get in touch with them and ask for assistance. If you’re signed up with an international bank, chances are they have toll free numbers that you can call for emergencies abroad. Having the contact information on hand will not only save you time but also effort as well.

4. Shorten your PIN

Not all banks have the same policies; others restrict their clients to four digit pin numbers, while some banks allow longer pin numbers for added security. In Europe, most ATMs are programmed to accept only four digit pins, posing a dilemma to a number of travelers. Before you set off on your romantic getaway, it’s a good idea to visit your bank and change your lengthy pin into a four digit one even just for the duration of your vacation. This way, you avoid any potential hassles you may encounter brought about by one small detail such as a pin number.

5. Get your PIN’s numeric equivalent

Some people base their PINs on letters that form words or acronyms to remember them easier. However, this may prove difficult when you’re faced with a keypad that has only numbers and no letters whatsoever. To save yourself the trouble of visualizing letters on a keypad fully aware that the line behind you is getting longer and longer by the second, translate get your PIN’s numeric equivalent before jetting off to a foreign country. At times, this may also prove useful against potential theft because in the event that someone may be trying to steal your PIN, memorizing a series of numbers is more difficult than remembering one word.

6. Don’t forget the contact details for your travel agent

If you’re in a foreign country and you feel utterly lost and helpless, one call to your travel agent back home can save your day. After all, who knows your destination, itinerary and budget better than your travel agent? Make sure that you get not only his or her mobile number, but the office number as well. That way, you’re still covered if your agent suddenly has an emergency of their own. Always remember that if they can’t directly help you, they’ll probably know someone who can and be able to track them down.

I recently had a bad experience with an ATM card that made me change how I use my card to get cash. This story might be timely as many people are traveling during the summer. My problem started when I used a different bank.

Last month I was in San Francisco and decided to make a trip to an ATM. Usually, I use my own bank so I don’t incur surcharges. However, I was doing a bunch of errands to get ready for my Dallas trip and decided another ATM was more convenient.

I inserted my ATM card into the machine and that was the last I saw of it. The terminal never provided instructions, but kept displaying advertisements. I hit various key combinations to try to get the machine to display instructions or eject my card.

I found the toll-free service number on the ATM and called for help. After speaking to the rep for 20 minutes, I was informed that I would not be getting my ATM card back. My first thoughts were that I wouldn’t be getting my card back that evening as no one knew when the technician would get to fixing that machine.

Actually, what the customer service rep was trying to tell me was that my card would be destroyed. This didn’t make me feel warm and fuzzy as I was flying out of town in two days. I was politely informed that this bank’s policy is to destroy any card that is lost in a machine that is not from the issuing bank. As example, if you lose Bank A's card in Bank B’s ATM, Bank B will destroy the card. Apparently, this is common practice.

At first, I was in disbelief that my card would be destroyed. It seemed like I was being punished. However, when you think about the policy it makes sense. It’s probably the best way to limit liabilities for the bank and customer especially if they don’t have my contact info.

I’ve probably used ATMs several hundred times and never had a problem. As a result of this incident, I will think twice about where and when I use my bank card. Here are some tips you might consider:

1. Use your bank’s ATM machines. This will limit your card getting destroyed if the ATM malfunctions and can’t return it.

2. Try to use the ATM during banking hours. Most banks can get access to their machines during business hours.

3. Store the service number that appears on the back of your ATM card either in your cell phone or PDA. You may also want to have your account number in a safe place too as many bank phone systems require you to enter your account number before speaking to a rep.

4. See if the ATM displays their customer service number. Yes, the machine will spit out cash without a decal. In my situation, the support rep gave me an internal phone number to reach that bank branch in the morning in case they retrieved the card.

5. If you do lose your card, contact your bank for a replacement card. Most likely you will get a new PIN in a separate notification.

I hope this scenario won’t happen to you, but it does raise some interesting questions. Would you have a backup card if you were traveling? Would you have the phone numbers you needed? I suspect the scenario is worse if you lost a credit card in the ATM machine.

Try to memorize your PIN code and avoid writing it down on public access book, doing so on secret book.
Never tell your PIN to any third person, whether to family member, office staff.
Avoid using easily guessable numbers for your PIN code for example your date of birth, your phone number and others.

Change your PIN code on weekly basis.
Weekly check your account balance and bank statements if you find any problem, contact to your bank immediately.

Be careful when any strangers offer to help you at an ATM, even if your card is block by machine or you are experiencing difficulty with the transaction.

Check your surrounding any other person in the queue keep an acceptable distance from you.
Stand very close to the ATM and shield the keypad with your hand when keying in your PIN code otherwise any other person can guess your number.
Press the Cancel key on keyboard when you find the ATM is not working properly and withdraw your card. Avoid force your card into the card slot.
Always keep your printed transaction record so that you can compare your ATM receipts to your monthly statement.
If your card jammed in ATM, report this immediately to the bank.

You're never far from an ATM in New York City

* Most ATMs charge $1-2 for the convenience of accessing your cash -- this is in addition to whatever your home bank might charge you.
* In addition to bank locations, there are often ATMs are located in pharmacies (Duane Reade, CVS), delis, fast food restaurants and hotel lobbies around New York City. It is rare in New York City that you would have to walk more than 2-3 blocks to find an ATM.
* Some grocery stores and pharmacies, as well as the US Post Office will let you get cash back with a purchase on your ATM card -- this can be a good way to avoid excess fees for small withdrawals (most places have a limit of $35-50 for cash back).
* ATM cards that are associated with a major credit card (Visa, Mastercard) can often be used as credit cards at restaurants and stores that may not accept regular ATM cards.
* Use caution when taking money out of an ATM -- pay attention to your surroundings and if there are any suspicious looking folks around, it might make sense to try an alternate location.

ATM Tips for International Visitors

* As long as your foreign issued credit card or bank card is compatible with the popular NICE or CIRRUS networks, you can easily withdrawal money using an ATM and your PIN code.
* Check with your bank or credit card company to find out what fees there are for foreign withdrawals. Banks frequently charge a currency exchange fee, in addition to a flat fee for making a withdrawal.

24/7 cash withdrawals and ATM locations on every other corner have made banking more convenient than ever before. To safeguard these benefits, MCCU recommends taking these common-sense safety precautions:


Protecting Your ATM Card

* Keep your ATM card in a safe place, just like you would cash, credit cards or checks.
* Never leave your ATM card lying around the house or on your desk at work. No one should have access to the card but you.
* Notify MCCU immediately if your card is lost or stolen.
* Keep your Personal Identification Number (PIN) a secret. NEVER write it on your ATM card or anywhere else.
* NEVER give phone callers information about your ATM card or PIN. For example, if you receive a call from someone wanting to verify your PIN, do not give that information. Notify the police immediately.
* MCCU employees will never call you to ask you for your PIN.


Using an ATM

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Be aware of your surroundings, particularly at night. If you notice or sense anything suspicious, leave and go to another ATM.
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Have your ATM card ready and in your hand as you approach the ATM. Don't wait to get to the ATM and then take your card out of your wallet or purse.
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Use your body to "shield" the ATM keyboard as you enter your PIN, so no one can see it.
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Never count or visually display any cash received from the ATM. Immediately put it into your pocket or purse and count it later.
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Always take your receipts or transaction records with you.
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If you are using a drive-up ATM, be sure passenger windows are rolled up and all doors are locked. If you leave your car and walk to the ATM, lock your car.


Special Precautions for Using an ATM at Night

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Park close to the ATM in a well-lit area.
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Take another person with you, if at all possible.
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If the lights at the ATM are not working, don't use it.
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If shrubbery has overgrown an ATM or a tree blocks the view, go to another ATM and notify the financial institution.

Try to avoid using an ATM by yourself. Either take someone with you or only use an ATM when others are around.

If possible, avoid using an ATM after dark. If you must, choose one that is well lighted and does not have tall bushes nearby.

When you arrive at an ATM, look around. If you see anything that makes you uncomfortable or anyone who looks suspicious, do not stop.

Either use an ATM at a different location or come back later. Notify the authorities.

Have your access card and any other documents you need ready when you approach an ATM. While you are fumbling with a wallet or purse, you are easy game for a thief.

If someone else is using the ATM when you arrive, avoid standing right behind him or her. Give them enough space to conduct their transaction in privacy.

Even while using the ATM, stay alert to your surroundings. Look up and around every few seconds while transacting your business.

Protect your Personal Identification Number (PIN). Do not enter your PIN if anyone else can see the screen. Shield your PIN from onlookers by using your body.

When your transaction is finished, be sure you have your card and your receipt, and then leave immediately. Avoid counting or otherwise displaying large amounts of cash.

As you leave, keep a look out. Be alert for anything or anyone who appears suspicious. If you think you are being followed, go to an area with a lot of people and call the police