How to avoid international ATM fees in 2025
Having some cash in your pocket when you travel is reassuring - and in some countries where card payments are less common, it may be essential. However, using an ATM abroad can mean you run into international ATM fees, including a withdrawal charge and foreign transaction fee.
In this guide we’ll cover ways to limit or avoid international ATM fees, including providers like Wise that have no-fee international ATM withdrawals, and a quick look at the foreign ATM fees from HSBC and OCBC.
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How much is the international ATM fee?
It’s not often possible to get completely free international ATM withdrawals. Different banks and non-bank alternative card providers have their own fee schedules which can include several different charges. On top of that, the ATM operator might also add their own charge. It’s important to check your own card’s terms and conditions to understand what charges will apply, and so you don’t run into any surprise costs.
Types of international ATM fees
Several different international ATM fees may apply to a single withdrawal, so looking through your card’s fee schedule is essential. Keep an eye out for costs including:
Foreign transaction fees: This is a percentage charge added to all transactions made in foreign currencies - banks often have a foreign transaction fee of up to 3%
Out-of-network ATM fees: Out of network fees may apply when you use an ATM overseas - these charges can vary but you’re likely to find a flat fee of about 10 MYR
Currency conversion fees: You may pay a currency conversion charge, which will be a percentage added to the exchange rate used to switch your dollars to the currency needed in your location
ATM withdrawal service fees: Both your own bank or card issuer, and the ATM operator, might charge an ATM fee, which is usually higher if you’re abroad
How can I avoid cash withdrawal fees abroad?
So - how to cut down the costs of using an ATM overseas? You may not be able to completely eliminate the fees you pay when transacting internationally, but there are some smart ways to limit the costs:
See if your bank has an overseas ATM network you can use: Most Malaysian banks do not charge for ATM withdrawals made using a debit card, at in-network ATMs. While some banks only have local Malaysian ATMs, others have options overseas, or work with other banks to provide free or discounted withdrawals for their customers
Choose a card that doesn’t have foreign ATM fees: You may struggle to find a Malaysian bank account which offers a debit card with no overseas ATM fees at all, but some do offer free withdrawals in select countries. As an alternative, check out services like Wise which has accounts with no ongoing fees and some no-fee ATM withdrawals every month
Don’t use the ATM too frequently: If your bank card has a flat fee for making an ATM withdrawal, taking out money more frequently means paying the fee more frequently too. If you have somewhere safe to store cash, such as a hotel safe, consider taking out larger amounts - and using your card to make payments where you can
Avoid dynamic currency conversion: Pay in the local currency wherever you are when you make an ATM withdrawal. This will allow you to get the best available exchange rate. Or, get a multi-currency account from a provider like Wise, which lets you hold dozens of currencies and convert with low or no fees
We’ll look at the international ATM fees from some popular banks and non-bank providers in detail next.
Banks with no international atm fees
Some banks have cards that have no or low international ATM fees when you use an ATM from one of their branches, or a partner institution overseas. However, it’s pretty common for some fees to apply when using a bank debit card in an ATM abroad - and using a credit card can be even more costly.
Specialist providers like Wise offers debit cards with no-fee ATM withdrawals up to certain limits, at home and internationally.
In this section we’ll cover Wise as a specialist provider, as well as HSBC and OCBC, looking at their ATM fees and limits. First, a quick overview:
| Provider/fee | International ATM fee | Exchange rate | Foreign transaction fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wise | 2 free withdrawals to the value of 1,000 MYR/month - fee of 5 MYR + 1.75% after that | Mid market rate with low cost currency conversion from 0.33% | No foreign transaction fee |
| OCBC | No fee at OCBC ATMs in select countries 10 MYR otherwise | Network rate + any fees the network adds | No foreign transaction fee |
| HSBC | No fee at HSBC ATMs in select countries, for certain debit cards 10 MYR otherwise No fee for supported currencies with Everyday Global | Network rate + any fees the network adds | 1% where applied No foreign transaction fee if you hold and withdraw a supported currency with Everyday Global |
As you can see, the banks we’ve compared here do charge an international ATM fee for some transactions, and may also have a foreign transaction fee for most standard accounts. It’s worth checking if your bank works with overseas banks to offer lower or waived international ATM fees when you use specific ATM terminals abroad. Or, pick a non-bank alternative like Wise to maximize your overseas cash with low fees.
Wise international ATM fees
You can use your Wise card in an ATM overseas to make up to 2 withdrawals to the value of 1,000 MYR a month free, with a fee of 5 MYR + 1.75% after that. If you have the currency you need in your Wise account there’s no conversion fee - and if not, the card can automatically convert from your balance, with low fees from 0.33%.
There’s no foreign transaction fee to pay, which cuts down the overall cost of using your Wise account internationally. Wise accounts have some ATM limits which are set for security. You can manage and view these in the Wise app.
OCBC international ATM fees
OCBC does not charge a fee when you make cash withdrawals at a OCBC branded ATM with your debit card in select countries - but fees apply when you use out of network cash machines. If you have an OCBC Malaysia debit card you may be able to make free withdrawals at OCBC branches in Singapore, Indonesia, Hong Kong and Macau.
If you use an ATM overseas from a different bank or provider, there’s a 10 MYR withdrawal fee. The conversion rate used to switch your overseas withdrawal back to MYR to be deducted from your account is determined by Mastercard or PayNet, and may include admin fees. However, there is no additional administrative charge from the Bank.
Some OCBC accounts have different fees - check your own account terms and conditions to get all the most up to date information. Credit cards from OCBC may have different international ATM fees, including cash advance charges.
HSBC international ATM fees
HSBC offers free ATM use for HSBC branded ATMs in select countries if you have certain cards - including the popular HSBC Premier Everyday Global Visa Debit Card, the HSBC Premier Visa Debit Card. You’ll be able to use your card with no fee, in HSBC ATMs in countries like Hong Kong, Indonesia, Singapore, Taiwan and Vietnam.
If you have a standard HSBC debit card which is not eligible for these fee waivers, you’ll pay an ATM withdrawal charge, which varies based on the specific account you hold.
There’s also the option of the HSBC Everyday Global account. This account lets you hold a balance in select foreign currencies. There’s no fee from HSBC to withdraw a currency you hold in your account - so if you have a balance in Singapore dollars and make a withdrawal in Singapore, for example. However, fees may apply if you don’t have enough balance in the specific currency you’re withdrawing.
Different HSBC accounts have their own ATM debit card limits, and in some cases fees may vary so it’s worth checking your specific account terms and conditions before you start to transact. Credit card fees tend to be higher when making an ATM withdrawal, and can include cash advance charges and interest.
What is the best way to withdraw money in a foreign country?
There’s no single best way to get your hands on travel cash when you’re away from home - however, choosing a debit card which has low or no ATM fees can help you manage your money with lower overall costs. Choose an account with multi-currency functions, such as those from Wise, and you can also hold and exchange the currencies you need for your trip, so you can see your budget in advance.
How to avoid ATM fees in a foreign country?
Got a big trip planned? Here are a few pointers on avoiding ATM fees when you’re in a foreign country :
Get a low cost multi-currency card from a provider like Wise, to make low or no fee withdrawals in foreign currencies
See if your home bank has partnerships with banks in your destination country, which can mean snagging low or no cost ATM withdrawals
Don’t use a credit card - ATM withdrawals are treated as a cash advance and usually come with hefty fees and instant interest to pay
Conclusion: How to avoid ATM withdrawals fees abroad
Many Malaysian banks have debit cards which come with an international ATM fee if you need to get cash out as you travel. While some accounts from banks like HSBC and OCBC may waive international ATM fees at specific bank ATMs overseas, you’ll often find a flat charge of around 10 MYR, and may also pay network or foreign transaction fees.
As an alternative take a look at multi currency accounts from non-bank providers like Wise, which come with linked debit cards that have some no fee ATM withdrawals every month. You can add money easily in SGD, and then convert to the currency you need conveniently within your account, so you’ll know exactly what you have to spend while you’re away - or just let the card handle the conversion when you pay.
International ATM fees FAQs
Exchanging currency before you travel can be time consuming and may not get you the very best exchange rate out there. Using an ATM can be convenient and if you pick an account which has low or no cost currency exchange, you may also get a better deal on fees. Take a look at options from Wise to see if they might suit your needs.
Your own bank or card provider will set the fees you pay for international ATM withdrawals - often banks have a flat fee of around 10 MYR, plus you may end up paying a foreign transaction fee of 3% or more. The ATM operator may also charge a fee. Take a look at your account and card fee schedule to see what charges apply, and compare the costs with alternative account options including non-bank alternatives like Wise.
Yes. Use your debit card in an ATM which supports the card network - Visa or Mastercard, for example. You may need to inform your bank you plan to travel to make sure your card is activated for international use before you leave.