Originally Posted by
johnathome
I have a Schwab card also and always use for international ATMs around the world. However, once the ATM refused to take my Schwab card (some BOC ATM in Yangshuo). At that point I had run out of cash so I used my Chase card which worked. Anyway, always have a back-up I guess.
I love my Schwab card, too. It's never failed to work for me in any country, however, there have been a couple of times when I had to contact Schwab to get an ATM fee refunded that didn't happen automatically. No problem whatsoever. Highly recommended.
With regard to having a backup, I never leave the USA without at least US$200 cash (newest crispest bills possible). If my ATM card doesn't work, I can always go to a currency exchange to get me by in a pinch. Much better than paying the outrageous cash advance fees on a credit card. Yikes!