Those who travel often know that in many cases it is necessary to resort to automatic boxes abroad, but this operation may imply high costs if not taken into account the conditions imposed by local banks and operators. Depending on the destination country and the type of card used, rates may vary significantly, making careful planning essential.
According to, surveys with debit cards in the eurozone are often free or subject to the same conditions applied in Portugal. However, outside this zone, bank commissions and unapproved exchange rates can be applied, which increase the final cost of the operation.
Credit cards, in turn, represent an even higher cost. In these cases, surveys are often classified as advances of money, being subject to added rates and immediate interest. In addition, some financial institutions impose daily limits on these operations, restricting the amount that can be raised at once.
Related:
Another factor to consider is the automatic box network used. Some machines belonging to local banks may allow reduced or non -existent surveys, while others, operated by independent networks, may apply large commissions. Prior verification of conditions is fundamental to avoid unpleasant surprises.
Strategies to avoid fees by raising money abroad
To minimize costs, many travelers turn to digital banks such as Revolution, N26 and Wise, which offer international cards with free surveys to a certain limit. In addition, some banks, such as Santander, allow fees exemptions when customers use automatic boxes of the same institution abroad. Choosing to raise money in local currency instead of converting directly to euros can also reduce charges.
Another option to consider is the use of multimoeda accounts, which allow users to upload balance in different currencies before the trip. Thus, it is possible to avoid unexpected foreign exchange fluctuations and ensure more advantageous exchange rates compared to those practiced by automatic box networks.
With increasing payments digitization, many transactions can be made through contactless cards or mobile payment services, reducing the need for physical money. However, not all establishments accept this type of payment, making a balance between money and digital means essential to avoid unnecessary costs during the trip.
Also read:
