ATM Skimming While Traveling: How to Protect Your Card

Skimmers are physical devices attached to the card slot that read your card's magnetic stripe as it enters. A small camera or fake keypad overlay captures your PIN simultaneously. The thief later uses the captured data to clone your card or make unauthorized withdrawals.

• Standalone ATMs in tourist areas not attached to a bank branch
• Machines in poorly lit areas or away from main streets
• ATMs with card slots that look different from the rest of the machine (recently attached)
• Machines in convenience stores, exchange bureaus, and souvenir shops

• Wiggle the card slot before inserting your card — genuine slots are firmly attached; skimmers feel loose
• Cover the keypad with your hand when entering your PIN, even if no one is watching
• Look for anything that appears added on — extra plastic, a slightly different color on the card slot, a camera mounted above the screen
• If anything feels wrong, use a different machine

• Use ATMs directly attached to bank branches, especially inside the bank lobby
• Use contactless payment or travel cards (Wise, Revolut) to minimize ATM use
• Withdraw larger amounts less frequently to reduce exposure
• Enable real-time transaction notifications on your card so unauthorized charges appear immediately
• Use chip-and-PIN rather than swipe wherever possible — chip transactions cannot be skimmed the same way