CNN - TravelGuide - Essentials

(CNN) -- Bank machines are a convenient part of everyday life at home. Now more and more travelers are discovering the advantages of using their ATM cards on international trips.

For one thing, using the ATM saves a trip to the exchange booth. It can also save some money.

"Typically, ATMs give the wholesale exchange rate, so you're going to get a better exchange rate at the ATM than you are at the exchange booth," says Chris McGinnis, CNN's business travel consultant.

Another benefit of the ATM: Currency exchange is automatic -- put in your card and out comes the cash, in local currency. In some cases, you may not need to bring any travelers' checks or exchanged currency at all -- just head to the airport ATM as soon as you get off the plane.

But before you can get your money, you'll need to do a little research:

Make sure your access code works in other countries. In Europe, for instance, ATMs only accept four-digit personal identification numbers (pins), so if you have a longer pin, you'll need to have your bank change it before you go.

Be sure to check that your card will work in every country on your itinerary. The institution that issued the card should be able to provide you with a directory of overseas ATM locations.

Check the Internet. Both Visa and MasterCard have Web sites showing their ATMs around the world.

Check for fees. Chances are, you won't be charged any more per transaction than you are when you use an ATM outside your bank's system at home.

As a precaution, let your ATM and credit card company know that you will be traveling overseas, so that using your cards doesn't raise suspicion that they have been stolen.

Just a few simple steps will help keep money at your fingertips, wherever you may go.

Based on a report from CNN's Business and Travel and Beyond. The segment appears weekdays on Early Edition at 7 AM (ET) and on Morning News at 10 AM (ET).

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