Withdrawing cash abroad can be expensive if you don't plan ahead. Between the local ATM fee, your own bank's charges and a poor exchange rate, a single withdrawal can cost you several euros. Here's how to reduce — or even eliminate — those fees.

The three types of fees to know

When you withdraw cash from an ATM abroad, three fees can stack up:

  • The local bank's fee, the ATM owner. It is sometimes shown on screen before you confirm.
  • Your own bank's fee: a fixed commission per withdrawal and/or a percentage of the amount.
  • The exchange fee, when the conversion is made in a currency different from your account.

5 habits to (almost) stop paying fees

  1. Open an account with an online bank or a neobank that doesn't charge for withdrawals outside the eurozone.
  2. Always decline the conversion offered by the ATM (the so-called "DCC"): let your bank apply the rate.
  3. Make larger withdrawals rather than several small ones, to dilute the fixed commission.
  4. Compare local banks: some charge nothing, others apply high fees.
  5. Tell your bank about your trip to avoid having your card blocked.

Check the fees before you leave

Fees vary enormously from one country and one bank to another. Before you go, check our comparison for popular destinations such as Japan, Thailand, Vietnam, the United States or Morocco. You'll find the fee-free banks and the ATMs to avoid.

By preparing your trip this way, you can save dozens of euros over your whole stay.