| There is nothing more frustrating in the world than | | | | signature based transactions but some won't and this |
| not being able to get your hands on your own | | | | of course means you have to go when they are |
| money. When traveling, the frustration mounts even | | | | open. Some won't allow PIN based transactions either. |
| more because you may have to make expensive | | | | Some ATM's also don't recognize more than 4 digits |
| international calls to banks at 1am local time to | | | | of a PIN. |
| resolve a simple issue. Here are a few tips on how to | | | | Here's a couple things you can do however to make |
| handle using ATM's in the U.S. or across the ocean. | | | | sure you don't run out of money when you really |
| ATM's are usually the best way to obtain money in | | | | have money. |
| any land. ATM's with the Cirrus or Plus logos are | | | | Make sure you only have a 4 digit access code when |
| universally accepted and finding one in a foreign | | | | traveling overseas. You can contact your bank to ask |
| locations is usually easy, as they are plentiful around | | | | for a PIN re-set and then set it back again when you |
| the world. ATM's exchange rates are based upon the | | | | return. If you have a letter based PIN, convert it to |
| wholesale exchange rate and that is usually a better | | | | a number based PIN as some ATM's overseas are |
| rate than local exchanges offer. It's also simple and | | | | numerical based, not letter based. |
| immediate - no questions asked. But what happens | | | | Tell your bank you are going overseas and not to be |
| when you can't get the machine to deliver your | | | | alarmed if they see transactions suddenly spring up in |
| money? Or your cheap hotel doesn't accept debit | | | | Europe or Asia and give them the date you are going |
| cards? | | | | to return. Banks have been known to deny legitimate |
| Many people are unaware that due to prevalent | | | | charges upon return to the US because the |
| fraud in certain countries, ATM debit cards access in | | | | cardholders bank doesn't know they are no longer |
| certain countries is 'shut off' by certain banks. | | | | overseas. |
| Currently, countries like Romania, Thailand, Japan, the | | | | Take a certain amount of cash with you plus |
| Philippines, Turkey, certain former Russian and Slavic | | | | traveler's checks and credit cards in addition to your |
| countries and even in England no longer allow debit | | | | debit card. This way you have a variety of options. |
| card access at ATM's. Though it is not ALL banks in | | | | Lastly, take along your bank contact information in |
| all these countries, it still means you may or may not | | | | casing you need to contact them in an emergency. |
| be able to access your money. And this list is not | | | | These simple steps may avert a disaster during your |
| complete by any means - countries and regions can | | | | vacation or trip. |
| be added at any time. Some banks will allow | | | | |