Improper use of bank cards outside Ukraine can lead not only to account blocking, but also to the loss of your own funds. Find out how to use your card safely to avoid getting into trouble and avoid unexpected expenses abroad

An insurance policy is a guarantee of your safety and peaceful stay outside Ukraine

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In many countries of the world, cashless payments are much more convenient, faster and sometimes cheaper than regular cash. And Ukrainian bank cards allow you to freely use your own funds outside our country. But to make using a card abroad profitable and safe, you need to know some of the nuances.

Using Ukrainian bank cards abroad: general rules you need to know

Today, Ukrainians no longer need to inform bank representatives about their planned trips abroad, as all cards issued by Ukrainian banks are already open for transactions outside the country.  

However, it is a good idea to seek advice on partner banks and official representative offices in the selected countries. This information will help you to withdraw funds from your card on more favorable terms, as the fee at ATMs of partner banks will be much lower. The specific percentage depends on the terms and conditions set out in the agreement. You can also get this information from your manager.

When paying for purchases in stores or paying by bank transfer for any other services, you should pay attention to the currency you choose. To avoid additional costs due to exchange rate fluctuations, you should choose the local currency. If you choose another currency (including the hryvnia), the transaction will be processed at the rate of foreign banks, which is commercial and will differ significantly from the rate of Ukrainian banks.

In addition, if possible, it is recommended to give preference to payment via Apple Pay and Google Pay. The limit of the National Bank of Ukraine for such transactions:

• No limit for foreign currency cards of any Ukrainian bank;
• UAH 100,000 for all hryvnia cards of one bank.

Daily limits can be set (and changed if necessary) independently. There is no need to contact bank representatives. All settings can be found in your bank's mobile application.

Please note that for volunteers who have personally applied to the bank with the specified package of documents and confirmed their activities, when paying abroad for military goods, the monthly NBU limits of UAH 100 thousand may be cancelled.

Can I withdraw funds from a hryvnia card in another currency?

Ukrainians can freely withdraw money from their bank cards in the currency of the country of residence. Cash can be withdrawn from both foreign currency and hryvnia payment cards. The conversion will be made at the rate of the international payment system. The amount of commission fees will depend on the currency under the terms of the agreement. 

In addition, it should be noted that the NBU sets limits on cash withdrawals abroad:

• The equivalent of UAH 100,000 per day in the selected currency (for foreign currency cards);
• UAH 12,500 per week (for hryvnia payment cards).

When withdrawing cash, you should be very vigilant and carefully read all messages on the screen. After all, ATMs are often owned by private companies and are not banking institutions, and therefore the commission can be very high. 

How to use mobile banking abroad?

Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, mobile applications of Ukrainian banks have significantly expanded their functionality for the convenience of customers. Ukrainians can use the following services:

• Instant transfers of funds between cards (both their own and other people's);
• Payments for services or transfers by bank details;
• Opening a credit line or deposit accounts;
• purchase of motor third party liability insurance, life and health insurance, tickets for all types of transport, etc.;
• transferring and receiving international payments with automatic currency conversion.

What should I do if the card is lost or expired? Algorithm of actions

If a payment card is lost (under any circumstances) abroad, Ukrainians should follow a clear algorithm:

1. Using a mobile application, transfer all available funds from the lost card to any other card you own;
2. Block the card that is no longer accessible through the application or by contacting the bank's representatives in the messenger/official website;
3. If necessary, apply for a new online card in the mobile application. This service will allow you to fully use the card through the application on your phone and pay with it through Apple Pay and Google Pay payment systems.

We remind you! Ukraine has become the first non-EU country to be included in the European Union's trusted list. This means that Ukrainian electronic signatures and seals on digital documents can be verified and confirmed in EU countries. We explain how it works here.

Photo: Unsplash/Clay Banks

Our recommendation for a safe and comfortable trip: 

Visit Ukraine Insurance - insurance for a safe stay abroad without unnecessary expenses;

Green Card - compulsory car insurance for traveling abroad;

Visit Ukraine Tickets - book tickets for buses, trains, and airplanes to/from Ukraine and between cities around the world;

Private Lawyer service - professional legal support on visa and migration issues;

Visit Ukraine Merch - buy patriotic clothing and accessories with worldwide delivery.