DBS Overseas ATM Withdrawal Fees: 2025 Guide

When you’re planning an overseas trip for work, play, or a longer stay, one of the first questions that comes to mind is how much it will cost to use an ATM for cash withdrawals abroad.

Asking “Can my DBS debit card be used overseas?” Yes, probably, but whether you should is another matter!

Using your DBS card may feel like second nature at home, but when you withdraw money overseas, there are associated fees to factor in.

In this article, we’ll look at the potential DBS overseas ATM withdrawal fees that can be applied when accessing cash from an overseas cashpoint. We'll also introduce the Wise account, a handy companion to make your money go further with low, transparent fees.

By the end of this read, you’ll feel informed and confident in how you can minimise expensive charges and keep on top of your travel finances with ease.

Can a DBS card be used overseas?

Yes. You can usually use a DBS card overseas¹, depending on the ATM network available in your travel destination. DBS cards are typically linked to Visa, Mastercard, or American Express, which makes them widely accepted.

However, although you’ll usually find it’s perfectly possible to pop your DBS card into any ATM to access local currency, you may not want to.

Depending on the type of DBS card and account you have, there will be DBS overseas ATM withdrawal fees to factor in³, so it’s important to know the DBS debit card foreign transaction fee structure before you pop that card into a new ATM.

Furthermore, if you try to access local cash from an overseas ATM with a DBS credit, the fee structure changes again (and is usually more expensive because you’re using a credit facility). We’ll look at this shortly.

The key point here is, yes, your DBS card gives you global access to ATM cash, but it’s essential to know what charges and fees you’ll pay for a DBS overseas withdrawal transaction.

Using the DBS debit cards overseas

Your DBS debit card is linked to your bank account. When you visit an overseas ATM and withdraw cash, it will be deducted instantly from your Singapore bank account. There are three essential things to know and remember here:

1. Check that the ATM you’re considering shows the Visa Plus or Mastercard Cirrus logo (check your DBS card to see which one it’s linked to).
2. Remember that your transaction will convert to Singapore dollars at that day’s exchange rate, as set by Mastercard or Visa.
3. Factor in the DBS debit card foreign transaction fees. These are a flat fee for each withdrawal overseas and a foreign currency transaction charge.

So your DBS card is certainly a quick and easy way to get cash from an overseas ATM, but keep an eye on stacking charges, as they can really eat away at your balance.

Using the DBS credit cards overseas

Now, be careful here. Yes, you can use your DBS exchange rate credit card at an overseas ATM, but this is treated as a cash advance, not a regular cash withdrawal.

This means you’ll pay more to use a DBS credit card to access ATM cash overseas than you would with a DBS credit card.

The fees levied on a DBS credit card are:

1. A cash advance fee (% of sum withdrawn, with a minimum charge)
2. Interest rate charges (which accrue immediately with no interest-free period)
3. A foreign transaction fee

The guiding rule here is to only use a credit card at an ATM overseas when you have no other options.

What exchange rate does DBS use?

DBS uses exchange rates set by Visa, Mastercard, or American Express at the point of transaction. These rates can differ slightly, so the applicable exchange rate is influenced by the type of DBS card you use.

Some overseas ATMs will ask if you want to be billed in Singapore dollars instead of the local currency. This usually has a worse conversion rate, so it’s best to choose the local currency.

Remember that exchange rates can change throughout the day, so the rate displayed online may not match the rate applied to your transaction.

DBS Overseas ATM withdrawal fees

DBS overseas ATM withdrawal fees include the following:

1. A fixed service overseas ATM withdrawal fee - usually $7² per transaction.
2. Foreign transaction fee, usually up to 3.25% ³ of the withdrawn cash sum.
3. Local ATM operator fees. These vary greatly and are beyond DBS control.

DBS foreign transaction fees

In addition to DBS Overseas ATM Withdrawal Fees, you pay a foreign transaction fee whenever you withdraw cash abroad or make an overseas purchase. This fee is about 3.25%³ on top of the withdrawal, comprising a DBS bank fee and a card network fee.

Remember that there might be an external ATM fee, too. So the costs do stack up quickly.

How to reduce DBS overseas ATM withdrawal fees

Try these steps to reduce DBS overseas ATM withdrawal fees, and keep your budget under control:

1. Use the ATM less frequently and withdraw larger sums. This reduces the impact of flat-fee withdrawal charges, levied on every transaction.
2. Use partner networks where you can. Research before you travel to find banks that waive ATM operator fees.
3. Don’t use a credit card to withdraw cash if you can avoid it. Debit cards are nearly always cheaper.
4. Open a multi-currency account or digital wallet for lower currency conversion fees. The Wise card can be a good option.

Consider the Wise card to save on withdrawal fees

While the DBS card is a staple for daily life in Singapore, it may not be the most cost-effective solution when you’re abroad.

The Wise card lets you spend in 40+ currencies at the mid-market rate including MYR, JPY, CNY, and USD so you know you'll be getting a great deal in over 150+ countries. Simply create a free Wise account, order a card and top-up SGD to get started.

Virtual cards are free and can be added to your Google or Apple Pay wallet, while a physical Wise card can be ordered for a low fee of 8.50 SGD. Having a physical Wise card allows you to make chip and pin payments, as well as 2 free ATM withdrawals to the value of 350 SGD each month, before low fees start.

While abroad, you can choose to spend with directly in SGD and let auto-conversion do the trick, or convert to your desired currency with your Wise account. Either way, you’ll get the exchange rate you see on Google, with low, transparent fees from 0.26%.

💳 Get your Wise card

Please see the Terms and Conditions for your region and visit our pricing page for the most up-to-date pricing and fee information on Wise products.