ATM Currency input

Paul, when you put in your credit or debit card almost all ATMs detect it's an international one and the user interface asks you to make your language selection. Furthermore you always withdraw local currency, whatever it may be in the country you are. So you need to do your own quick currency exchange. However, just to be prepared for the "worst case" in which the ATM only speaks local language, it might help to know the respective words for "withdrawal". But apart from that I've found that all ATMs in the world work the same way (I've been in Asia, Middle East, Europe and America...)

I've always been given the option of choosing a language (English). I've also noticed that on many occasions the ATM will pop-up a default of withdrawal sums from which to choose...100, 200, 300 etc. It also gave the option to specify your own amount. I was NEVER able to actually get any money when I specified my own amount. However, using the very same ATM I could choose one of the default amounts and always get money.

Any way you look at it, they are simple to use to get LOCAL currency.

I have used ATMs in Paris and all over Italy - never once had to use the non-English version. You must take out money in the local currency amount and do your own calculation. There are other threads on this board about ATM usage, the most important to remember 1) if you have a daily cash limit on your card, it's in US dollars (take out equal to or less in the local currency); 2) there are no letters on the buttons to enter your PIN number, so if you've memorized your PIN as letters, re-memorize it as the numbers; and 3) you MUST notify your bank before you leave that you will be out of country (they'll shut your card down with foreign ATM usage unless they know).

It helps to have a "cheat sheet" of the currency for the country you are visiting. There is a web site; www.oanda.com that will give you a wallet sized sheet. Very helpful for shopping and banking.