Using foreign cards in Ukraine can be a bit different for foreigners. First of all, it is important to know that most foreign cards, such as Visa or Mastercard, are widely accepted in Ukraine. However, there are important things to consider. Find out how to use foreign cards in Ukraine and avoid troubles

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Although the number of foreign visitors to Ukraine has declined in recent years, the country remains a popular travel destination for travelers from all over the world. Ukrainian cities are also home to many expats who live and work here.

Regardless of the reason for your visit, you need to have enough money with you to pay for a comfortable stay in the country.

Here is what a foreign citizen needs to know if you plan to use ATMs to withdraw currency in Ukraine.

Where can I find ATMs in Ukraine?

ATMs are widespread in Ukraine: they can be found in and near bank branches, in shopping centers and other public places such as railway stations. 

However, they may be less accessible outside of the city, so it's a good idea to have enough cash with you if you're traveling to rural areas.

How do I withdraw cash from Ukrainian ATMs?

To withdraw cash from an ATM in Ukraine, you usually need to know your PIN. If you have a magnetic stripe card issued in America, you can get the PIN for your card from your bank before you leave.

Visa and Mastercard use in Ukraine: will my credit or debit card work?

Visa and Mastercard are the most widely accepted cards in Ukraine. 

Please note! AmEx (American Express) cards are not accepted in many places, and there are only a few ATMs that accept AmEx throughout the country. 

Discover cards are not accepted at all at ATMs or merchants, so you will need an alternative if this is your primary card.

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Notify your bank before traveling to Ukraine

If you are going to travel to Ukraine soon, you should inform your bank about your plans. You can often do this online by filling out a simple form or by calling a branch.

If your bank does not know that you are going to travel, you may have problems, as bank fraud departments monitor transactions and are usually wary of sudden card use abroad.  

Be careful, as the bank may block or restrict your account if they suspect that your card has been stolen or fraudulently used abroad, leaving you without cash or any means of payment.

ATM fees are set in Ukraine

Most people who use a foreign debit or credit card in Ukraine will have to pay a fee for using ATMs there.

Currency exchange fee at ATMs in Ukraine (DCC) 

The only thing you should pay attention to is the dynamic currency conversion (also called DCC). 

DCC (Dynamic Currency Conversion) is where you are asked if you want to pay for the transaction in your home currency instead of the local currency.

Banks sell this as a service for travelers trying to navigate a new currency. 

Pay attention! Often, the exchange rate does not correspond to the real average market rate that you can find on Google. Instead, the rate used for DCC transactions is increased by the ATM provider or merchant. Don't fall for it - just pay in the local currency.

Your home bank's fees

There's a good chance that your own bank will charge you a fee for accessing your money at an ATM abroad. The fees will be listed in your account terms and conditions and are usually called "international cash withdrawal fees" or something similar. Check your specific account details before using an ATM abroad.

Local bank fees in Ukraine

Some of the banks you'll see in Ukraine are part of well-known regional or global brands, such as BNP Paribas and Raiffeisen, that operate throughout the country. If you already use one of these banks, your account may allow you to withdraw funds cheaply or without fees if you use their ATMs. Otherwise, your local bank or ATM will likely charge you a fee.

Can I get a free cash withdrawal in Ukraine?

It's possible that your regular bank will partner with another brand in Ukraine to offer customers free or reduced fees for cash withdrawals at certain ATMs. This can help you and save you money.

Useful tips on how to avoid fees at Ukrainian ATMs 

Choose your card carefully 

Many people prefer to keep their bank cards at several local institutions. If you have more than one credit or debit card, it's worth checking which one offers the best conditions for cash withdrawals abroad.

International ATM fees vary greatly, so you may pay less by simply choosing the card with the best conditions for using abroad. And if you have more time, you can even open a new account specifically for traveling with the bank that offers the best deal for your needs.

Always choose to pay in local currency

First of all, watch out for DCC. This expense is entirely avoidable for travelers who use a foreign credit or debit card at ATMs. Don't transfer your money to a foreign bank - avoid high DCC fees and bad exchange rates by choosing to pay in local currency.

Remember! When planning a trip to Ukraine, first of all, you need to take care of the appropriate insurance policy, because any foreign insurance automatically terminates after crossing the Ukrainian border. In this case, we recommend that you take out insurance specifically covering military risks, which will cover not only standard medical care/treatment/diagnosis, etc. but also accidents and injuries caused by passive or direct military risks.

You can take out such insurance on the Visit Ukraine website. Follow the link and choose an insurance policy with the appropriate coverage and indemnity amount for the required period.

What are the limits for cash withdrawals at ATMs in Ukraine?

There are a few things that will determine how much money you can withdraw from an ATM in Ukraine, per transaction or per day. First, you need to know your bank's limits. They are often set automatically, but you can change them if you need to before you travel.

If your home bank has not set a limit, the cash withdrawal limits of your local bank or ATM operator will apply instead. 

In Ukraine, each bank separately sets its own limits on the amount you can withdraw. Read more about the current cash withdrawal limits at Ukrainian ATMs, as well as where you can withdraw funds, in our material.

Want to know more? Read the latest news and useful materials about Ukraine and the world in the News section.

We recommend purchasing it for a safe and comfortable trip to Ukraine: 

Visit Ukraine Insurance – safe travel in Ukraine (insurance covering military risks);

Visit Ukraine Legal advice – comprehensive legal support on entry to Ukraine;
Visit Ukraine Tickets – bus and train tickets to/from Ukraine;

Visit Ukraine Tours – the largest online database of tours to Ukraine for every taste;

Visit Ukraine Hotels – hotels for a comfortable stay in Ukraine;

Visit Ukraine Merch – patriotic clothing and accessories with worldwide delivery.

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