You want to withdraw a large sum at the ATM and the machine refuses beyond a certain amount? Abroad, two different limits overlap — your bank's and the local ATM's. Understanding them avoids the nasty surprise… and above all the needless fees, whatever your home currency.
Two limits, two origins
- Your bank's limit: your card's withdrawal cap (per day or per week). Many banks automatically lower it for transactions abroad, for security — hence unexpected refusals.
- The local ATM's limit: the bank operating the machine sets its own cap per transaction, independent of yours. In some countries (such as Vietnam), it's particularly low.
It's always the lower of the two that applies.
Why it's (also) a fee issue
If every withdrawal is capped low while your bank charges a flat fee per transaction, you pay that fee several times to reach the amount you want. Where fees are flat (like the ~250 THB per withdrawal in Thailand), a low cap mechanically multiplies the bill. Knowing the limits in advance means withdrawing smart.
How to manage them well
- Tell your bank your travel dates to avoid blocks and automatic limit reductions.
- Ask for a temporary increase of the limit before you leave (often granted in minutes from the app).
- Withdraw the maximum allowed per transaction to dilute the flat fee.
- Spot the ATMs with generous caps: often those of the big banks, rather than independent machines.
- Keep a backup card: if one card hits its limit, the other takes over.
Before you go
Check the fees and the practices of your destination, bank by bank, on our country pages — for example Thailand or Vietnam — to size your withdrawals and avoid paying several times over.
👉 Compare the fees and plan your withdrawals before departure.