ATM fees: where to pull cash in Asia
Some ATMs charge nothing. Some skim 6%. The difference is one Google search you should've done at the airport.
Updated 5 May 2026
The first ATM you see at the airport is almost always the worst. Walk past it. The second rule: always decline the 'conversion' your home currency. Always pay in local currency — the dynamic conversion is a 4–8% scam.
By country, what's worked for me
- Indonesia (Bali) — BCA and Mandiri only. The blue 'free ATM' kiosks in Canggu have been linked to skimming for years.
- Thailand — every ATM charges 220 THB (~SGD 8) per withdrawal. There is no way around it. Pull big amounts, fewer times.
- Japan — 7-Eleven (Seven Bank) and Japan Post ATMs. Foreign cards work, low fees, English menus.
- Vietnam — TPBank and HSBC. Avoid Agribank, the daily limit is brutal.
- Korea — Citibank and KB Kookmin. Most convenience store ATMs reject foreign cards.
The card to actually use
A multi-currency card (Wise, Revolut, YouTrip) for the rate, plus one credit card with no FX fee for hotels and big spend. Don't use your DBS debit abroad — the 3.25% FX fee adds up faster than you think.