Using an ATM abroad
Jul 29, 2010 | 8:06 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2010
Posts: 3
Using an ATM abroad
Hi, flying from the UK to the USA tomorrow, and just had a question about using atm's over there. Basically, I was just curious as to how my balance would read over there with the exchange rate 'n all. Would the atm read my balance in GBP from back home, and then convert to USD everytime I use a machine? Or will it keep the USD balance the first time I use a machine? Just curious as to how it all works.
Also a side question, I have an SLR camera that I will be carrying on with me onto the plane. Its in its own bag, but I usually stick it in my messenger bag with all my other items, just wondering if I'd be able to carry it seperately like a laptop bag?
Thanks
Also a side question, I have an SLR camera that I will be carrying on with me onto the plane. Its in its own bag, but I usually stick it in my messenger bag with all my other items, just wondering if I'd be able to carry it seperately like a laptop bag?
Thanks
Jul 29, 2010 | 8:17 am
#2
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: IAD/DCA, USA (MD Suburbs)
Programs: AA Lifetime EXP, BA Gold, CruiseWithFriends.com
Posts: 1,688
It's hit or miss if the ATM will even show your balance, but in my experience, the balances have been in local currency. It's fun in some countries to see a 7 or 8 figure balance in your account! 
Jul 29, 2010 | 8:21 am
#3
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Washington, DC, USA
Programs: UA MM, MB LifeTit
Posts: 1,866
1. Agreed, it's hit or miss on showing a balance, but it'll be in dollars if shown.
2. If they allow one carry on and one personal item, it sounds like it'll qualify as the latter, but check with your airline as to what they allow.
2. If they allow one carry on and one personal item, it sounds like it'll qualify as the latter, but check with your airline as to what they allow.
Jul 29, 2010 | 8:39 am
#5
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: IAD/DCA, USA (MD Suburbs)
Programs: AA Lifetime EXP, BA Gold, CruiseWithFriends.com
Posts: 1,688
You may also want to check with your UK bank and see if they have any partnerships with any US banks. If you use the partner bank's ATM in the US you can save on ATM fees. ATM fees can be high in the US if you use some smaller out of network ATM's like ones in restaurants or bars.
Jul 29, 2010 | 9:32 am
#7
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: PSM
Posts: 69,232
It is good to know that some banks (e.g. Chase) charge a per-transaction fee in addition to the f/x fee so it makes sense to make fewer, larger transactions rather than pulling $50/day every day.
Jul 29, 2010 | 9:47 am
#8
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: DCA
Programs: FB Gold Privilege
Posts: 419
Be careful with the balance checks. Once while in Frankfurt I decided to check my balance, entered PIN wrong one time and then got money....I was charged €4.50 for each time my card entered the ATM. Then my institution chrged me $3 international transaction fee + $2 ATM fee + 2%.
I would find and use a popular bank such as Citi Bank.
I just used one in NRT and PNC refunded me the ATM fee of $3.50. The exchange rate was also very reasonable.
About the camera bag, no one ever gave me problems for my SLR bag.
I would find and use a popular bank such as Citi Bank.
I just used one in NRT and PNC refunded me the ATM fee of $3.50. The exchange rate was also very reasonable.
About the camera bag, no one ever gave me problems for my SLR bag.
Jul 29, 2010 | 1:27 pm
#12
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Rio de Janeiro, Miami
Programs: Marriott Lifetime Titanium, AA EXP and others
Posts: 4,749
Since the USA will be your destination there are a couple online places to find surcharge-free atms.
One is http://www.allpointnetwork.com/
another is http://www.cudollar.org/
If your own bank in the UK has a US network it may have free atm's also. HSBC Premier, for example is surcharge free and also FX fee-free fro HSBC Premier customers anywhere in the world. I bank with HSBC partly due to that benefit.
One is http://www.allpointnetwork.com/
another is http://www.cudollar.org/
If your own bank in the UK has a US network it may have free atm's also. HSBC Premier, for example is surcharge free and also FX fee-free fro HSBC Premier customers anywhere in the world. I bank with HSBC partly due to that benefit.
Jul 29, 2010 | 1:46 pm
#13
Join Date: Jul 2007
Programs: QFF
Posts: 5,304
The only time I've had a problem with an ATM is when using the ATMs in Japan that don't take non Japanese cards.
Most ATMs have shown my balance in the local currency, but I've had a few that have shown it in my accounts currency (with 'AUD' shown with the balance).
Most ATMs have shown my balance in the local currency, but I've had a few that have shown it in my accounts currency (with 'AUD' shown with the balance).
Jul 29, 2010 | 8:38 pm
#15
Join Date: Jul 2010
Posts: 136
BTW, in answer to the original querulator, it's common for ATMs to be unable (or unwilling) to display balance on international cards. Just yesterday a machine in Asia gave me the alarming (though false) news that my balance was 0.