I’ve heard of it. You’ve heard of it. Yes, we’ve aaall heard of it. But you’ve never actually thought it would happen to you, but it did!!! Well, at least to me. After all these years of coming and going to Bali, my debit card got skimmed! And, yes, it S!%(*#S (pardon my French) You lose your money, which is annoying, and, depending on your bank, the best case scenario is you get everything back from the bank (fingers crossed).
So, here are some tips and precautions on using ATMs in Bali – or anywhere else in the world for that matter. Because let’s be honest, when you’re on holiday in Bali, the last thing you want to deal with is filing reports and claims and blocking your card.
We strongly recommend using ATMs attached directly to banks that have security guards, and try using them during business hours. And be cautious of people hanging around the ATM.
Try to familiarise yourself with what a “secure” ATM looks like:
- Try moving the slot where you put your card. If it is loose, it could be a problem.
- Same thing with the keypad. Check if the keypad looks thicker than normal.
- To avoid cameras, cover the keypad with one hand as best as possible when entering your pin numbers.
Precaution tips:
- Check your bank accounts regularly. If you notice anything suspicious, contact your bank immediately.
- Don’t keep all your money in your checking account. Try instead to keep small amounts on your checking account and transfer money between savings/checking when needed.
A bit of an inconvenience, but an easy way to protect yourself.
Bottom line is to trust your instincts. If anything looks suspicious, move onto another ATM.
And if you’ve totally given up hope on ATMs, there’s always Warung on Wheels and their “Cash/Money” service. Yes, they deliver cash to your doorstep as well as bottles of Sav Blanc! Just click on how many millions you want, check-out using PayPal and voila!
See our villas in Bali. Inspected and selected by Villa-Finder.com.
