أين أقرب صراف آلي؟

You can use this phrase exactly as it is. Just walk up to someone and say it. It works with strangers, shopkeepers, or hotel staff. If you want to be extra polite, add لو سمحت (law samaht) at the beginning. This means "if you please." It turns a basic request into a very polite inquiry. Most people will point you to a nearby bank or mall.

Use this when you are at a local market. Many small shops in the Middle East still prefer cash. Use it at a restaurant if their card machine is "broken." This happens more often than you would think! It is also great for paying taxi drivers. Most taxis do not take credit cards. If you see a cool souvenir, you will likely need cash to haggle.

Do not use this inside a bank. It sounds a bit silly since the ATM is usually right there. Also, avoid asking this in very high-end malls. In those places, almost everyone accepts cards or digital payments. You do not need to ask a waiter this during a formal business dinner. It might make you look like you forgot your wallet!

Cash is still king in many parts of the Arab world. While digital payments are growing, physical notes are deeply trusted. The term صراف (sarraf) actually comes from the old word for money changers. Centuries ago, you would visit a sarraf to trade coins. Today, the machine has replaced the person, but the name stuck. It is a bridge between ancient trade and modern tech.

In Egypt, you might hear فين مكنة الـ ATM؟ (feen makinat el-ATM). In the Levant, people might say وين في صراف؟ (ween fee sarraf). The word فين changes to وين (ween) depending on the country. However, صراف is the universal keyword. If you say صراف, everyone will know you are looking for money. You can also just say في صراف قريب؟ which means "Is there a teller nearby?"