I have a small HSBC account and ATM card. I've never called and I've used it in a number of countries without a problem. I've done the same with a Canadian credit union ATM card. Likewise, IIRC Amex states that one doesn't have give advance notice.

OTOH I call Wells Fargo and Chase in advance. I was traveling with a brother-in-law in France a few years ago. He tried using his Wells Fargo ATM card and was denied. He managed to straighten it out with a phone call back to the US.

I've twice had payments to Australia from the US (e.g. Qantas) held up because it was to a foreign country. I've gotten a phone message requesting me to confirm with their fraud department - had I actually been in Australia I wouldn't be checking voice mails on my US wireless.

I want to make sure I can access the ATMs and use my Chase cards that don't charge that nasty 3% fee for foreign transactions, and Wells Fargo and the two Chase cards are set up to record your foreign travels.

In other words, your experience may be dependent on your cards.