So please answer for Kenmare, Ireland -- will be using either AIB or Bank of Ireland ATM's - do you know how much the ATM's of Irish banks or my bank charges for that convenience? Or do both have a charge? Is there a limit/day or limit/occurrence at those banks? I know MY bank has a limit & I plan to talk to them. I do know that most of my needs will be cash not credit cards for I will be visiting more rural sites/villages. Thank you!!
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
16895 posts
The European bank-owned ATMs should not charge a usage fee, but some "private" ATMS do, and they state it right up front, for you to approve. Your own bank may or may not have an out-of-network fee.
Bank machines have per-transaction withdrawal limits, but you can make multiple withdrawals from the same machine. Only your own bank has per-day limits or really knows what you've done in the course of a day.
Posted by
🏝️ Hobe Sound, FL⛱️
3279 posts
Another point is to learn if your bank charges a foreign exchange fee on ATM withdrawals. If they do, you might want to open a checking account at a bank that has no ATM charges, fx fees or monthly charges. My primary bank was charging $4 fer transaction + 3% fee. I opened an account with Capital One Bank which avoids them.
Posted by
1172 posts
We were also pleasantly surprised to se that most places, even in small villages took credit cards
Posted by
Bloomington, IL, USA
9371 posts
To answer your questions in order:
1. Irish banks' ATMs will not have a charge. If there is a per-use charge it will come from your bank. Ask them whether they do, and if they also have a foreign transaction fee.
2. The ATM will have a daily limit, as does your bank. Ask the bank to raise your limit if you need to. If you hit the daily limit of the ATM (and it's lower than your bank's), just move along to the next ATM and do another transaction. The daily limit of the ATM depends on the bank.
Posted by
Lynnwood, Washington
8879 posts
Make sure you have the "right card" before you worry about the right ATM. You should have a debit card that has no ATM fees and no foreign transaction fees. Communicate with your bank about the fact that you will be traveling prior to your trip and discuss any limits they have daily withdrawals.
I have had excellent experience with Charles Scwab Investor Checking, but there are some other similar cards out there.
Posted by
York, PA
300 posts
I opened an account with Capital One Bank which avoids them.
Same here (Capital One 360). I had the ATM card within 3 or 4 days. Maybe it was that fast because I already had a CapOne 360 savings account.
Posted by
9 posts
CapitalOne360 has been a perfect debit card for travel. I used it extensively in Europe and last year used it in the Czech Republic and Hungary. Never had a charge. ATMs widely available. Also Capital One credit card works great for hotels, restaurants and rental cars. Never a transaction fee.
Posted by
Pantego, NC, USA
1014 posts
Some towns do not have an atm. I was in Doolin, for example, a few years back, and most businesses accepted cash only.
Posted by
Lewisburg, PA, USA
346 posts
This website is pretty good-type in your location and it will show you atms. We've had good luck with Captital One in the past-we'll see how it works in the furture.