Foreign languages to be introduced on ATMs

"German, Spanish, Portuguese and French languages, introduced on our ATMs, will enable convenience to our international customers, as they will access services in languages of their choice," the bank said in a statement.

These languages would be available to foreign card users only, the bank said.

Starting with ATMs in Absa buildings, the plan was to roll-out to 50 ATMs this coming weekend.

"This is part of the extended pilot to Absa ATMs which are located at international airports, leading shopping malls and other tourist hot spots such as Kruger National Park," the bank said.

Currently Absa services at ATMs are accessible in local languages, IsiXhosa, IsiZulu, Sesotho, Tshivenda, Sesotho sa Leboa, Xitsonga and Afrikaans.

"Demands engendered by globalisation have necessitated a fundamental shift in the way businesses operate.

"... we decided to make it easy for our international customers to transact with us in their preferred languages," said Absa's Allen Mahadeo, general manager for self service channel and distribution.

Allowing international customers to transact in a foreign language of choice could have a positive impact on Absa's economic future "as the bridging of language barriers could open untapped markets", he said.

"With increasing 'internationalisation' by virtue of the large number of tourists that visit our shores and international events, such as the Confederations Cup, the 2010 Soccer World Cup, on the horizon, it has become exceedingly important for financial institutions to communicate with customers from foreign countries in their preferred languages," Mahadeo said.

Source: Sapa

Published courtesy of