Kosovo, Europe’s youngest country, is a hidden gem with charming towns, rugged mountains, and a rich cultural heritage. Whether you’re exploring the lively capital of Pristina, the historic streets of Prizren, or the stunning landscapes of Rugova Valley, knowing how to access cash is crucial. While many urban businesses accept cards, cash remains widely used in smaller towns and markets. This guide covers everything you need to know about cash and ATMs in Kosovo, including withdrawal fees, transaction limits, exchange rates, and card acceptance, ensuring a smooth and convenient visit.
Where to find ATMs in Kosovo
Urban Areas: In cities like Pristina, Prizren, and Peja, ATMs are commonly found in city centers, shopping areas, and near bank branches. Banks such as Raiffeisen Bank and Banka Ekonomike have ATM networks throughout these cities.
Tourist Spots: Popular destinations like the Ethnological Museum in Pristina, the Old Town of Prizren, and Rugova Canyon near Peja have ATMs in nearby areas. However, it’s advisable to carry cash, as some establishments may not accept cards.
Rural Areas: In remote villages and mountainous regions, ATM availability is limited. It’s recommended to withdraw cash in larger towns before venturing into these areas.
Best ATMs to use in Kosovo for foreigners
The best ATMs for foreigners to use in Kosovo are those owned by popular banks such as:
- TEB
- NLB Banka
- Banka Ekonomike
- Raiffeisenbank
- BKT
There are other banks with ATMs that also accept international debit and credit cards.
There are no known Global ATM Alliance member banks or All Points network banks in Kosovo.
Don’t accept conversion at ATMs and withdraw only in local currency
In Kosovo, some ATMs may ask – Accept OR Decline Conversion (also known as With or Without Conversion, or, Charge in EUR).
- If you ‘Accept’ – ATM converts your money at ATM’s set exchange rate. You pay an extra % fee to the ATM to use this rate.
- If you Decline, the ATM will convert at exchange rate of the bank/card logo (Visa, Master, etc.).
So, to avoid extra fees, select ‘Decline/Without’ Conversion or ‘Charge in EUR.
Can I use a foreign debit or credit card at an ATM in Kosovo
Yes, majority of the foreign debit and credit cards are widely accepted at ATMs in Kosovo. ATMs commonly accept Visa, Mastercard, Maestro, Plus, Cirrus cards. Some of them accept American Express cards. Others like JCB, UnionPay, Diners, Discover and Rupay cards are generally not accepted.
ATM operations
What are ATMs called: Words ‘ATM’ or ‘Bankomat’ are widely used.
ATM opening hours: Usually 24/7. Those inside operate from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday.
Language options at ATMs: ATMs typically offer Albanian, Serbian and English as the primary languages.
What currencies can I withdraw from ATMs in Kosovo: ATMs dispense cash only in the local currency, Euro (EUR)
ATM withdrawal limits in Kosovo
ATMs in Kosovo have a maximum withdrawal limit per transaction of € 1,000 to € 2,000, most common being € 1,000. ATMs typically do not have daily withdrawal limits so you can use the ATM multiple times if you need to withdraw more cash.
ATM Fees in Kosovo
There are no fee-free ATMs in Kosovo. Bank ATMs in Kosovo typically charge € 5 per transaction as ATM Access Fees to foreign card holders.
Apart from ATM Access Fees, there can be other potential charges to withdraw cash in Kosovo. These are:
1. Currency Conversion Fees (Accept or Decline Conversion)
2. Your Bank’s currency conversion fee – Some banks charge the card holder a fee to use the card abroad. Cross check with your bank on what the charges are.
How to avoid high fees when withdrawing cash in Kosovo
- Use the lower fee ATMs in the country.
- Use the ATM Fee Saver app to find fee-free or low-fee ATMs.
- Opt for Decline Conversion or Without Conversion during ATM transactions.
- Consider getting fee-free cards from your home country.
- Avoid using ATMs at the airports, sometimes they have higher fees
Ways to find fee-free ATMs in Kosovo
Discover fee-free and low-fee ATMs here on the ATM Fee Saver mobile app for iOS and Android. This app provides ATM PINs and details of leading bank ATMs such as ATM fees and withdrawal limits for foreign cardholders at ATMs in Kosovo. Moreover, its simple fee calculator helps you determine exact withdrawal charges. You can also find cash tips and tricks on the app for 160+ countries including Kosovo.
Safety at ATMs
Kosovo has a generally low crime rate, but petty theft, including pickpocketing and card fraud, can occur. ATMs are commonly found in major cities, but some travelers have reported issues such as skimming devices being placed on machines. It is safest to use ATMs inside banks, shopping centers, or busy public areas rather than those in isolated locations. While ATM-related crimes are not widespread, it is advisable to remain vigilant, particularly in crowded areas where distractions are common tactics for theft. To enhance security, check for any unusual attachments to the ATM before using it, monitor your account for unauthorized transactions, shield your PIN when entering it, and avoid using public Wi-Fi for banking transactions. Carrying a backup card is also recommended in case of any issues with ATM withdrawals.
FAQs
What to do if an ATM takes your card?
If an ATM in Kosovo takes your card, contact the bank (if you used an ATM inside a bank branch), they may retreive your card if you have proof of identity. You can also contact the bank’s helpline but they usually retreive and resend new cards only for their own customers. If so, you’ll need to contact your own bank and ask them to deliver a new card at home or abroad.
Fee-free ATMs and possible to withdraw cash free of cost at ATMs in Kosovo?
No, there are no fee-free ATMs in Kosovo. Bank ATMs in Kosovo typically charge € 5 per transaction as ATM Access Fees to foreign card holders.
###Foreign cards from US, UK, India, China, Europe, Australia accepted?
Absolutely yes! You can usually use cards from the US, UK, Europe, Australia, and other countries at ATMs in Kosovo
Bitcoin ATMs
As of now, there are no known Bitcoin ATMs operating in Kosovo. Cryptocurrency adoption is still in its early stages in the country.
Foreign bank ATMs’ presence in Kosovo
Bank of America: No, there are no Bank of America ATMs.
Citibank: No, Citibank does not operate ATMs.
Barclays: No, Barclays does not have ATMs.
HSBC: No, HSBC does not operate ATMs.
Standard Chartered: No, Standard Chartered does not have ATMs.
