Slovakia, a land of fairytale castles, charming old towns, and breathtaking mountain landscapes, is a hidden gem in Central Europe. Whether you’re exploring Bratislava’s historic center, hiking in the High Tatras, or discovering medieval sites like Spiš Castle, knowing how to access cash is key. While Slovakia is increasingly cashless, smaller businesses, rural accommodations, and some markets still prefer cash payments. This guide provides important details on cash and ATMs in Slovakia, including withdrawal fees, transaction limits, exchange rates, and card acceptance, ensuring a hassle-free visit.
Where to find ATMs in Slovakia?
Urban Areas: Cities such as Bratislava, Košice, and Prešov have a dense network of ATMs, particularly in city centers, shopping areas, and near bank branches. Major banks like Tatra Banka, ČSOB, and UniCredit Bank operate extensive ATM networks. For instance, UniCredit Bank provides an ATM locator to help users find the nearest machines.
Tourist Spots: Popular destinations like Bratislava’s Old Town, Spiš Castle, and the High Tatras have ATMs nearby, often within or near tourist facilities.
Rural Areas: In smaller villages and remote regions, ATM availability may be limited. It’s recommended to withdraw cash in larger towns before traveling to these areas.
Best ATMs to use in Slovakia for foreigners
The best ATMs for foreigners to use in Slovakia are those owned by popular banks such as:
- UniCredit
- Prima banka
- 365.bank
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 Slovakia.
Don’t accept conversion at ATMs and withdraw only in local currency
In Slovakia, 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 have to pay an extra fee for this service.
- 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 Slovakia?
Yes, majority of the foreign debit and credit cards are widely accepted at ATMs in Slovakia.
Types of cards accepted at ATMs
ATMs commonly accept Visa, Mastercard, Maestro, Plus, Cirrus cards. Some of them accept Diners cards. Others like Amex, JCB, UnionPay, Discover and Rupay cards are generally not accepted.
What are the ATM opening hours
Most ATMs operate 24/7.
What are ATMs called
ATMs in Slovakia are usually found by a signage of word ATM’ or ‘Bankomat’.
Language options at ATMs
ATMs typically offer Slovak and English as primary languages. If you’re not familiar with these languages, using live translation via Google Translate’s camera function can be handy.
What currencies can I withdraw from ATMs in Slovakia
ATMs in Slovakia dispense cash only in the local currency, Euro (EUR)
ATM withdrawal limits in Slovakia
ATMs in Slovakia have a maximum withdrawal limit per transaction of € 200. One ATM allows up to € 4,000 per transaction but that depends on availability of cash at the ATM at the time of withdrawal.
ATM Fees in Slovakia
There are many fee-free ATMs in Slovakia. Majority of the Bank ATMs in Slovakia do not charge any ATM Access Fees per transaction to foreign card holders. There is one bank that charges € 5 per transaction so there are many fee-free ATMs you can use in Slovakia as a foreign cardholder!
Apart from ATM Access Fees, there can be other potential charges to withdraw cash in Slovakia. These are:
1. ATM’s Currency Conversion Fees (Accept or Decline Conversion)
2. Your Bank’s currency conversion fee, if your bank charges any.
How to avoid high fees when withdrawing cash in Slovakia
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.
Ways to find fee-free ATMs in Slovakia?
Discover fee-free and low-fee ATMs in Slovakia 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 Slovakia. 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 Slovakia.
Safety at ATMs
Slovakia is generally considered a safe destination for travelers, and ATMs are widely available in urban areas. However, instances of petty crime, such as pickpocketing and bag snatching, have been reported, particularly in crowded public areas like Bratislava’s Old Town and during events like Christmas markets. It’s advisable to use ATMs located in well-lit, populated areas or within bank premises to minimize potential risks. Be aware of your surroundings and avoid displaying large amounts of cash after withdrawals.
FAQs
What to do if an ATM takes your card?
If an ATM in Slovakia 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 here?
Yes, its possible. There are many fee-free ATMs in Slovakia. Majority of the Bank ATMs in Slovakia do not charge any ATM Access Fees per transaction 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 here.
Bitcoin ATMs
Slovakia has a notable number of Bitcoin ATMs, with approximately 93 machines installed nationwide. These ATMs are primarily located in major cities such as Bratislava, Košice, and Banská Bystrica.
Foreign bank ATMs’ presence in Slovakia
Bank of America: No, there are no Bank of America ATMs here.
Citibank: No, Citibank does not operate ATMs here.
Barclays: No, Barclays does not have ATMs here.
HSBC: No, HSBC does not operate ATMs here.
Standard Chartered: No, Standard Chartered does not have ATMs here.
