Originally Posted by
xenole
I have a near 100% failure rate taking cashing out with airport ATMs. They always say something along the lines of "invalid transaction" at the end of the process.
Las Vegas, Hong Kong (Travelex failed but one around the back of a food place was fine), Brisbane (not one worked) and Cairns (all failed airside and so did the one near the baggage reclaim) - even tried my credit card and that failed too. Then went to an ATM at a grocery store and fine.
Found I needed cash in the first place for Travelex to exchange that into local currency - wouldn't let me use a debit card.
Interesting. I've had the exact opposite experience at many Asian, Oceania and European airports. What kind of ATM card are you using? What we have found in many airports are automated currency exchange machines that are not true ATM machines and have a much worse conversion rate than an ATM transaction so you need to look at the logos on the machines to know the difference. I'd also be careful about using a credit card for cash usually no grace period and higher interest rates.