1. Pervasive cashless transactions, years ahead of the US or even the UK means that the need for ATMs is minute. I have withdrawn a total of $290 in 2014 (so far, but we're in December now). $1750 in 2012, $510 in 2013 and now $290. Everything else is contactless/chip/electronic transfers.

2. Only if you use an ATM not run by your bank or not in your bank's network. There's near enough always going to be a cluster of four ATMs corresponding to the four big banks in any area, at least one of which will be free to withdraw from.

3. Get an account with ING Direct and they will refund you any ATM fees, even those charged by other companies.

Disgrace? Please.