Job Discussion Forums

BigWally · Posted: Tue Aug 08, 2006 5:45 pm Post subject: Using Canadian ATM Cards?

I use the Royal Bank of Canada for all my banking, and I was wondering about the possibility of accessing my funds from an ATM in Kaohsiung. Would I be able to walk into a bank there and use my card (service charges dont matter) to access my Canadian account?

I have heard that it is possible, but then I have also heard it is not easily done at ALL ATM's. Any K-Town Kanadians Laughing

have any input on this? (Banks to use, etc.)

I just want to plan on how much "cold hard cash" I should have with me when I initially arrive in Taiwan next week! Any recommendations on how much to carry on me during my trip would also be appreciated.

cheers!

Dr_Zoidberg · Posted: Wed Aug 09, 2006 1:12 am Post subject:

This is Taiwan, not Canada. There are no rules here. Well, ok, there are rules, but the rules change from day to day, from person to person.

In other words, don't come here empty handed, expecting to access your funds back home through an ATM machine here. Whatever money you have, bring it with you in American Express traveller cheque form.

TaoyuanSteve · Joined: 05 Feb 2003 Posts: 1028 Location: Taoyuan

Hi, Wally. Yes, you will be able access your Canadian accounts through ATMs here. Not every ATM you encounter will do this, however. You will have to match up network symbols on the back of your card with those displayed around the machine. Typically, a larger commercial bank's machines will support international transactions, but just look for the symbols on the back of your card. My S/O and I have withdrawn from our Canadian accounts here a few times. Many Taiwanese are businessmen and travellers who have multiple passports and residences abroad. Of course they want to be able to access those foreign accounts, so you certainly can here. Glad you mention you don't mind fees, because you will pay a fair bit in network fees for the priviledge.

BigWally · Posted: Wed Aug 09, 2006 3:08 am Post subject:

Good stuff...I do have the "PLUS" insignia on the back of my bank card, and my thinking was that I could probably access my money from ATMs located within MAJOR banks, but not at ATMs one would find at say a grocery store or gas station.

Any local (kaohsiung) input would still be appreciated.

Cheers

Pop Fly · Joined: 15 Feb 2003 Posts: 429

Check with RBC....get them to commit and to give a contact number/person should the quest fail. It prolloy won't, but in case it does, have the bank set up to wire the money free of charge. Why,,,cuz they told you to use ATM.

Likewise, when you get am atm card here, specify that it will be used overseas. They must activate a toggle or something. This is also a fine way to send money home if you have someone you can trust with your cash.

I_is_teach_English · Joined: 01 Aug 2006 Posts: 44 Location: Taiwan

BigWally · Posted: Wed Aug 09, 2006 4:24 am Post subject:

yeah the setup costs are no problem as my GF and I are sharing costs, and we both have ballpark 2000-3000CDN saved up for initial costs...

thanks for the answers everyone

Ki · Joined: 23 Jul 2004 Posts: 475

You won't have any problems accessing an ATM with a foreign bank card here. Well okay, some banks won't give you the English option but the plus symbol is a sure bet.

The big problem is with trying to use a Taiwanese bank card at an ATM overseas. Even when you request to be able to use it overseas it still may not work. Been there done that.

dangerousapple · Joined: 18 Apr 2006 Posts: 292

I've used my Bank of Kaohsiung ATM card every time I've gone back to Canada for a visit, and never had any problems. I have never requested any special usage permissions. I guess it could depend on which bank you use.

BigWally · Posted: Wed Aug 09, 2006 5:50 pm Post subject:

what about exchange rates from the ATMs...i assume Shocked

that the exchange would be on par with whatever the market rate is for that day (as of today 1.00 CAD Canada Dollars = 29.2350 TWD Taiwan New Dollars)...

has any one else seen anything other than the standard rates from an ATM (service charges aside)?

thanks again for all the responses! Surprised

cheers

I_is_teach_English · Joined: 01 Aug 2006 Posts: 44 Location: Taiwan

AQUA MARINA

I spoke to my bank today and they say that I should be able to use my debit ATM card internationally at any PLUS or Interac Symbol machine.

Only thing is they can't gurantee that the Int'l machine will recognize the card.

They also say I can do my usual banking online.

Do you have any problems seeing this overthere? www.pcfinancial.ca

markholmes · Joined: 21 Jun 2004 Posts: 661 Location: Wengehua

AQUA MARINA · Posted: Thu Jul 05, 2007 11:11 pm Post subject:

Ok ok I had that one coming.

I had to be certain.

Thanks!

db108108 · Joined: 15 Jun 2007 Posts: 3 Location: Nova Scotia

Be careful with PC Financial. My friend, who went to live in Spain for a year, learned the hard way that PC Financial cards do not work in many countries. I guess that's the price to pay for free banking.