The holiday season remains in full swing, with many Brits boarding flights across the world. That being said, UK holidaymakers have been issued with some crucial advice that could save them from paying unnecessary fees.
When travelling abroad, the majority of people will exchange their money for the appropriate currency beforehand, or simply use their cards. However, there are instances where you might be in need of some emergency cash, want to do some spontaneous market shopping, or plan to give a tip to service staff. But instead of getting money out of the nearest cash point, holidaymakers have been advice to do this thing instead.
A simple search of ‘Bank ATM’ on Google Maps can help you save a bit of extra cash.
Hadleigh Diamond, commercial director at SCS Chauffers said: “We see it all the time. People land, head straight to the first ATM they see, and get charged eye watering fees without realising it.
“Searching ‘Bank ATM’ on Google Maps takes seconds – and it could save both on fee and exchange rates on your very first withdrawal.”
The expert explained that cash machines and city-centre ATMs are more likely to be operated by third-party providers, rather than real banks. This means you end up with higher charges and worse rates.
Additionally, many machines offer an option called “conversion to GBP,” also known as Dynamic Currency Conversion. However, the service often uses poor exchange rates and adds hidden fees.
The quick search will often find machines inside or next to established banks such as Santander, ING, or HSBC, which typically use fairer interbank rates, fewer fees, and don’t auto-convert your currency.
These machines will also often have CCTV and private atms away from any potential thieves.
Hadleigh added: “Travellers often overprepare for airport delays, baggage issues and flight changes but forget about something as simple as where they withdraw their money. This is an easy win – and one of the first things we recommend before a trip.
“If your driver’s waiting for you at the terminal and you need cash, ask them to stop at a bank branch ATM on the route. We do this regularly for clients – it’s safer, faster, and far cheaper than using random machines in arrivals.”