The ATM has become many a travellers' best friend. There are millions of ATMs all over the globe and there are more appearing each and every day. Not only can you find an ATM on almost every continent in the world, but the banks are actually trying to make it easier for foreigners to access their own accounts while they are abroad.

Tips for Travellers

Investigate the county that you are planning to visit and determine where they have ATMs located. If you are planning to travel anywhere in Western Europe, chances are there will be ATMS almost everywhere. In Eastern Europe, there are fewer, but more are becoming available all the time.

Always have a back plan. Although there may be an ATM in the town or village that you do plan to visit, it may be out of service or out of money. An ATM repair may take a couple of hours or days. Time which you might not have. Therefore, always have some cash on hand. Keep this stash of money well hidden and, if possible, keep it separate from your credit and bank cards. Additionally, make sure that you have a valid credit card.

In many places you can use your credit card to do all of the things that you can do with a debit card. If you plan on using your credit card, you have to notify the credit card company of your intention to travel abroad. Many travellers have discovered that, for their own protection, their credit card has been frozen because "somebody" is trying to use it while out of country. This is especially important if you do not do a lot of travelling.

This also applies to your personal debit card. If your bank notices sudden overseas transactions they might decide to freeze your account until they are able to verify the person using the card is actually you.

Do not allow your cash supply to get to low. If you have to use any of your stash of hidden money, try to replace it as soon as you can. Do not wait until the very last penny is spent.

Banks have realized that travellers are using ATM's all over the world. Many banks do charge exchange fees, or other fees, while you are travelling. Rather than make a lot of small withdrawals, try to make fewer larger ones.

If you have a PIN number that is longer than four digits you should get this changed before you travel. Many ATMs in Europe, and others parts of the world, will not accept a PIN that is longer than four numbers.

Take more than one credit card with you. While more and more ATM's are linking, there are still those that may not recognize certain brands. If you can, you should try to have a VISA and a Master Card. Alternatively, you can get a few travellers checks for additional security.

If you plan to be gone for any length of time, you would be well advised to have someone in the country be able to access some of your accounts. Consider setting up a joint travel account with a trusted second party. If you do run into trouble, or have a problem, the person at home may be able to transfer money to your account, or make any necessary deposits acting on your behalf.

Travelling is getting simpler but it is not perfect. Although banks are trying to make it easier to get to your accounts, no matter where you are, you still need to do a little planning to ensure that you do not find yourself without funds in a foreign country.