Travelling Abroad

Before you go

Check that your cards and passport have not expired

We automatically replace expiring cards, so you don’t need to do anything. You will receive your replacement card about 2 weeks before the end of the expiry month.

Your card will work for the entire month shown on the expiry date.

If you have any more questions check out our FAQ section on Visa Debit replacement cards here.

Make sure we have your up-to-date contact details before you travel

It’s very important that we have the right email or mobile number for you, to make sure your transactions abroad (particularly outside Europe) are really yours. A card may be disabled if we can’t confirm that it’s the genuine cardholder who’s using it. It’s likely that we’ll try to get in touch with you to make sure this is a genuine transaction.

  • Before you travel please update confirm your contact details are correct on the Profile page of the Mobile App. Simply click the Profile icon on the top right of the main page and confirm your contact details are correct
  • Ensure that when abroad you can check your text messages and emails

If you need to get cash, be aware that many countries only allow a max withdrawal of €100 or £100. Our website has a list, under ATM withdrawal limits abroad (see below)*.

Lost and stolen cards: some important numbers

We’re here to help 24/7. Keep our emergency helpline numbers somewhere safe, so you can cancel any lost or stolen BoI cards and organise replacements. We’d recommend writing them down somewhere handy, along with other important numbers like travel insurance, airline helpdesk, etc., as well as keeping them on your phone or device.

Calculating the cost of using your debit or credit cards while travelling within the EU and EEA

Use our currency converter to find out how much you would pay using your debit or credit card within the EU and also Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway.

Once you arrive

Use Credit and debit card vs cash

Credit or debit cards are preferable to – and safer than – cash. Your credit and debit card can be accepted worldwide when you see the MasterCard/ Visa logo. Use your debit card to take cash out from an ATM.

Pay in the local currency – it’s cheaper

Making purchases outside the Euro zone? Pay in the local currency if possible. Retailers usually apply higher charges if you convert transactions to Euro.

Split your cards

If you are travelling and have both credit and debit cards with you we would recommend that you would keep your cards in two different places. This will be beneficial if one card becomes lost at least you have access to your other card.

Take care at ATMs away from home

Use well-lit, properly maintained ATMs, beside a bank if you can. Don’t get side-tracked by others when you’re using the ATM, and take care not to let your PIN be noticed. Memorise your PIN: writing it down isn’t advisable.

  • ATM withdrawal limits abroad
    ATM Type Daily limit
    Chipped ATM - most of Western Europe (generally located at bank branches) €500 / £500
    Non-Chipped ATM (usually smaller retail ATMs found in shopping centres, hotels etc.) €250 / £250
    List of specific countries with different Non-Chipped ATM Limit
    Barbados €100 / £100 Malaysia €100 / £100
    Bolivia €100 / £100 Nepal €100 / £100
    Bulgaria €100 / £100 Pakistan €100 / £100
    Cambodia €100 / £100 Peru €100 / £100
    China €100 / £100 Philippines €100 / £100
    Colombia €100 / £100 Romania €100 / £100
    Dominican Republic €100 / £100 Russia €100 / £100
    Dutch Antilles €100 / £100 South Korea €100 / £100
    Greece €60 / £60 Taiwan €100 / £100
    India €100 / £100 Thailand €150 / £150
    Indonesia €100 / £100 Trinidad and Tobago €100 / £100
    Jamaica €150 / £150 Ukraine €100 / £100
    Laos €100 / £100 USA €250/ £250 ($250)
    Latvia €100 / £100 Vietnam €100 / £100
    Lithuania €100 / £100

    • The above limits are daily withdrawal limits
    • Daily limits are lower at non chipped ATMs
    • Some Foreign Banks have their own ATM withdrawal limits which may be lower than those listed above
    • If your initial ATM withdrawal request is refused, please try again using a lower amount

*Fees & charges may apply when using ATMs abroad. Please see terms & conditions to ensure you are aware of the cost of ATM withdrawals - click here.