ATM stands for Automated Teller Machine; it refers to an electronic device that allows customers to carry out financial transactions on their own. Using an ATM, people can access their bank accounts in order to make a variety of financial transactions; check balances, make deposits, transfer credit, and even withdraw cash in a foreign country. In Canada, the term automated banking machine (ABM) may be used, in Britain they are often called a “cashpoint” or “hole in the wall”.

As of 2015, it was estimated that there were a total of 3.5 million ATMs installed around the world. The highest among them is located at the Khunjerab Pass in Pakistan, near the border with China. The pass itself, at 15,397 feet (4,693 m), is the highest paved international border crossing in the world.

As part of a “green” initiative (and also to demonstrate their technical skills) the National Bank of Pakistan installed the ATM at the pass in 2016. The feat earned the bank a Guinness World Record for the “highest altitude automated teller machine”.

People may wonder “Why put an ATM machine in such a remote location?” Answer: Because the region is popular with tourists, and typically tourists are the primary users. The machine itself is run by wind and solar power; special attention is given to keep it functioning during winter when the temperature drops below freezing. The ATM is maintained and monitored 24 hours a day by the nearest branch of the bank, located in Sost City.

More Info: www.worldatlas.com