Travel Mistakes You Might Be Making Without Even Realizing It

11. Using ATMs Without Checking for Skimmers

ATMs in high-traffic tourist areas are prime targets for scammers who install card skimmers—tiny devices that steal your credit or debit card information without you even noticing. Skimmers are often placed over the card slot or keypad, and some ATMs may also have hidden cameras capturing PIN entries. If you use a compromised ATM, your bank details can be cloned, leading to fraudulent withdrawals or charges that can drain your account before you even realize what’s happening. Fix it: Only use ATMs inside banks or secured buildings, as they are much less likely to have skimmers than standalone machines on the street. Before inserting your card, inspect the ATM carefully—if the card slot or keypad feels loose, looks misaligned, or appears tampered with, find another ATM. Cover the keypad with your hand when entering your PIN to prevent hidden cameras from capturing it. If your bank offers contactless withdrawal via an app, use that instead of inserting your card.