One in five overseas travellers uses ATMs

Saturday, Jun 25, 2011

Gulf News

Most people travelling from the Middle East to other parts of the world now prefer to bring less cash and access their automated teller machine (ATM) cards more often, if a recent study were to be believed.

The Visa International Cash Access Study 2010, which surveyed markets including the UAE, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, South Africa, Russia, Ukraine and Croatia, found that Middle East travellers drew out an average of $1,531 (Dh5,600) on arrival during their last overseas trip.

Replenish cash

When they run out of funds while still abroad, one in five Middle East travellers would rather run to the ATM machine to replenish cash. Travellers cited convenience as the number one reason for accessing cash abroad, followed by the availability of ATMs and cash access touch-points at destination, as well as safety.

“More travellers are realising the benefits of accessing cash through overseas ATMs while on holiday,” notes Shankar Ram, head of products for Visa Middle East. With Visa’s network alone consisting of 1.8 million ATMs in more than 200 countries and territories, and most of the machines in accessible locations operating 24 hours, Ram says travellers can now avoid the risk of carrying large amounts of cash and easily access their travel funds.

plastic cash

More travellers are realising the benefits of accessing cash through overseas ATMs while on holiday.”

By Cleofe Maceda?Staff Reporter