Is it okay to use ATMs late in the evening in Slovakia or should I stick to daytime withdrawals only? I am a single woman travelling so want to be safe.
In Bratislava, ATMs inside the Eurovea mall were open and felt secure even after 11 PM. I never had issues, but withdrawing money in Slovakia at night is best done where there’s lighting, CCTV, or nearby foot traffic. The banking infrastructure is solid, and foreign cards are widely accepted.
I was staying in Žilina and needed cash late. Found a Tatra banka ATM at a petrol station that worked. Locals told me to avoid ATMs near bars after 10 PM, as there’s occasional rowdy behavior. City centers are safe, but rural towns close early - plan cash runs during the day.
While backpacking through Košice, I tried withdrawing from a VÚB Bank ATM at 9:30 PM. It worked fine, though the square was quiet. Slovakia generally feels safe, but card skimming at standalone ATMs has been reported - use indoor machines at banks or malls for better security, especially after dark.
I used a Slovenská sporiteľňa ATM in Bratislava’s Old Town just after 10 PM. The area was well-lit with people still walking around, and the machine accepted my foreign debit card. ATM safety at night in Slovakia is solid in cities - but avoid isolated ATMs near train stations or empty alleys, especially on weekends.