If you’re going on holiday this year, chances are you’ll want it to run as smoothly as possible. Trips abroad can be pretty expensive, with accommodation, flights, and luggage all adding to the cost – so it’s vital to save money wherever you can.
And travel experts say that doing one quick thing as soon as you land could save you a lot of hassle. It only takes minutes, and involves making a speedy Google search on your phone. According to the luxury transfer service SCS Chauffeurs, there is a simple hack to avoid being stung by searching for ‘Bank ATM’ on Google Maps once you land – and avoid freestanding machines in airports .
For Brits, withdrawing cash from foreign ATMs could be costing hundreds during a two week break.
Private ATMs can charge up to €10 for withdrawing, so a twice daily withdrawal for 14 days could cost nearly €200- and that’s without % conversion rate charges.
Hadleigh Diamond, Commercial Director at SCS Chauffeurs, 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 you £20 on your very first withdrawal.”
Why are bank ATMs cheaper?
Cash machines in airport and city-centre ATMs are more likely to be operated by third-party providers, not real banks, meaning higher charges and worse rates.
Many machines offer “conversion to GBP” – known as Dynamic Currency Conversion – which often uses poor exchange rates and adds hidden fees.
This simple search will often find machines inside or next to established banks like Santander, ING, or HSBC.
These typically use fairer interbank rates, fewer fees, and don’t auto-convert your currency, as well as often having CCTV and private ATMs away from prying eyes.
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.”