New research shared with ITV News has revealed the high and often overlooked fees for using ATMs abroad, our Consumer Editor Chris Choi has the details
Words by Liz Little, Deputy Content Editor
Research shared with ITV News has revealed the high, often-unnoticed costs of withdrawing cash and using credit cards abroad.
The travel experts Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA) surveyed the different costs of withdrawing cash in popular holiday destinations to highlight the potential scale of fees for travellers.
They’ve warned that not only are people often better off taking cash out before going on holiday to avoid expensive fees, but that some destinations aren’t willing to accept card payments at all.
So who charges what?
ABTA found that it’s common to pay between five and seven euros (£4-£6) per withdrawal in some of the most popular holiday destinations.
Spain
ATMs have fees commonly ranging from 50 cents to six euros (£0.40-£5). Cards are widely accepted but cash is still the most used form of payment. Though smaller bars and restaurants and less cosmopolitan areas often don’t accept cards.
Greece
Most ATMs in Greece require a fee ranging from two to four euros (£1.70-£3.40), and retailers often prefer customers to pay using cash.
Italy
Unless you’re using an Italian bank card, ATM fees are commonly around one to five euros (£0.85-£4.26). Card payments are commonly accepted but some services such as buses may only accept cash.
Germany
ATM fees in Germany range hugely, from zero to seven euros (£0-£6) and over. Cash is king in Germany with many bars and restaurants not accepting cards, especially in open air venues such as beer gardens and at Christmas markets.
France
French banks do not charge admin fees, however private ATMs can incur expensive charges. Card and debit payments are widely accepted.
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Portugal
Withdrawal fees are uncommon if using a bank. Cash payments are still very common in Portugal but cards are also widely accepted.
Netherlands
Most ATMS offer free withdrawals in the Netherlands, however some independent operators charge fees. Both cash and cards are widely accepted.
United States
Out-of-network transactions often incur fees from one dollar to more than five dollars (£0.77- £3.87) in the US, however some banks offer refunds for these fees. Although cash does remain the most popular choice for transactions in the USA, card payments are widely accepted.
Australia
Independently owned ATMs often incur fees from between two and five Australian dollars (£1-£2.58). Card and contactless payments are the most popular form of payment in Australia.
Canada
Most ATMs in Canada charge between two and five Canadian dollars (£1.13-£2.82), with independent operators often charging even more. Free ATMs are rare. Card payments are significantly more popular than cash payments in Canada.
So how do you best avoid being stung with these fees?
Which? travel journalist Harry Kind told ITV News that just like comparing prices for hotel bookings, you should also be comparing currency conversions and always withdrawing cash locally to avoid often higher fees at the airport and abroad.
Which? also recommend finding a fee-free debit or credit card, where it won’t cost anything to spend or withdraw cash. You can found out more on the Which? website.
And if you find yourself at the till being asked whether to process your payment in local currency or GBP, both ABTA and Which? recommend always paying in the local currency to save on additional exchange rate fees.
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