ATM vs. Banks

I'll answer your question with a question. How would you withdraw money from a foreign bank?

Almost no one takes travelers checks anymore. They won't accept your check. And while some banks will exchange currency for euro, not all will and the rate will likely be worse than using an ATM.

And while there is nothing wrong with being alert to your surroundings when using an ATM anywhere in the world, your personally safety in France is not really something to be concerned about. You won't be mugged. Some banks though do have ATM's in vestibules that might allow you more "private" access to your moneybelt/neckpouch/etc...

Thanks. My curiosity is satisfied!

We use ATMs for the best exchange rate and most convenience. For security, we look for one attached to a staffed branch of a major bank, preferably while it's open. Some are in vestibules, others on the sidewalk near the door. If it should eat our card (which has never happened) we can get help from the staff. We try to avoid getting big bills by asking for odd amounts (like 280 euros instead of 300). If we should get denominations too large to use easily, we can take the bills inside and get them changed. Be sure to tell your bank that you're going, and try to get your daily limit raised if necessary. Often your bank will charge a flat fee per transaction, so the fewer transactions the better (a money belt or neck wallet can hold the cash you're not using that day).

TMI, perhaps? Have a good trip!

FYI, the European ATM machines generally don't charge anything for foreigners to use them. I've never been charged by one, over numerous trips. But your bank or credit union may charge you a fee to use it, depending on their policies. They may charge you a flat fee plus a currency conversion fee.

My credit union doesn't charge me ANYTHING to make ATM withdrawals in Europe and no currency conversion fee (and no limit to the number of withdrawals). On my last trip to Germany (last month), I made lots of small withdrawals, often only 20 euros at a time. I didn't pay for most of my lodgings in cash this time, so I had no need to withdraw a lot of euros at once. I didn't worry about my general safety when using the ATM, beyond probably not taking out money at night on a dark street with no one around. (And trying to make sure no one was standing right behind me watching too closely or something.) I've never had an issue on any trip to Europe using my ATM this way. Just use common sense.

Thanks, Andrew.
Very good information!
I'm going to be checking out my local credit union.

At some, not all, European banks the ATM machine may be in a separate alcove, perhaps with a door. The custom often is to wait outside the alcove until the customer ahead of you exits.
My only concern at a machine on the street, during daytime, was a small boy who wanted to help me with the buttons. No time to be polite: Shoo any such assistance away, loudly. Also good advice at home, for that matter.

Thanks Dick.
I especially liked the info on withdrawing odd amounts and if need be going into the bank to change large bills.

Even though I'm well aware of the problem of getting a big bill from an ATM machine, having done it more than once, I still forget at least once every trip. Perhaps it was due to jet lag, but upon landing at CDG last month, I got a 50 euro note out of the ATM - argh! Forgot again. Luckily, when bought a bottle of water from the airport Relay (convenience store), they broke my 50 euro note without complaint. (I had a 5 euro note too in my back pocket, just in case, but I wanted to break the larger note.)

Some ATM machines in Europe seem more friendly in this regard, though; more than once, especially in a smaller town, I withdrew 40 euros and got two 10 euro notes and a 20 back. Clearly it benefits the local merchants too for the machines to dispense smaller notes, because obviously a lot of tourists are using the ATMs so they can spend the money locally. And the merchants don't need the hassle of needing to break those big bills. Of course, it varies from ATM to ATM.

mperk,

Just to clarify, a Teller in a foreign bank can NOT provide money from your account, as they don't have access to it on their computer networks. For a Teller to issue cash, you'd need to have an account at that Bank (and of course have some money deposited there).

OTOH, an ATM has access to your account via a data link, so can provide cash according to the terms that have been pre-determined (ie: your daily withdrawal limit, etc.).

It is theoretically possible to get cash from a teller at any bank using your debit card. You have to be able to explain to the teller that you want a cash advance using your debit card. It would work the same way that paying a merchant would using your debit card and your PIN and the networks like Cirrus or Plus that facilitate ATM transactions. However, as with many theoretical possibilities, it rarely works in practice because (a) the customer can't clearly explain what is needed in the language of the teller, or (b) the teller does not know how to do the transaction or, (c) as will be the case in France, the bank teller will not give the "customer" the time of day because he or she is not a customer of the bank.

I used my Visa/MC-branded debit card to take cash advance from bank tellers a few times many years ago, but only after lengthy explanations that my card had been demagnetized and wouldn't work in the machine, and also after trying several banks. When I asked, their response was usually, "no, that's what we have a machine for."

Banks in Paris will not deal with you unless you are a client. They will not change your money .

Banks do not change money for non clients and will not do business with you if you don't have an account with them. They also have a higher degree of security for entry than most US banks. And as others have noted Traveler's Checks are simply obsolete; noone will take those and if you find anyone who does, the hit will be huge.