Saving money on ATM and cc fees in Dubai

The New York Times has a helpful article about how to save money on ATM and cc fees. I thought I'd post the link but first chime in some extra advice.

Naturally the first order of business is choose your cards (generally a "primary" credit card and one ATM card, plus a "backup" credit card should suffice) then notify the credit unions or banks about your tour, so they don't think you're being defrauded. Generally a quick call or an email to them is enough and they will make a note on your account- just give then the general region you're traveling in "the UAE and Oman" e.g. and the general time frame. (When you get back, make a point to monitor activity for awhile just case).

Now, one particular useful reminder in the article is to research who the local partner of your bank are - you'll often save on transaction fees - if not get free service entirely - if you take the time. Often you can ask the bank or go online and google partners in the country you plan to visit.

Here is that passage: you can "...reduce the fees somewhat if you use their own machines, or those of their partners. Bank of America, for example, partners with Deutsche Bank in Germany and BNP Paribas in France, so withdrawals are fee-free there (but not, however, at Deutsche Bank branches outside Germany)."

The link to the whole article is here (which also details insurance plans for budget/long term travelers, so that information may not really apply to most of us):

http://frugaltraveler.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/01/27/packing-the-right-credit-card/#more-115