The term 自动取款机 is a window into China's rapid modernization. While Western cultures often use acronyms for new technology (like ATM, laser, or scuba), modern Chinese tends to create new words by combining existing characters into a logical, descriptive compound. 自动取款机 perfectly describes its function, making it immediately understandable to a native speaker, even if they've never seen one before. Culturally, the ATM's role in China has undergone a dramatic shift. For decades, it was a symbol of financial modernization and a bridge away from a purely cash-based society. However, with the meteoric rise of mobile payment systems like 支付宝 (Zhīfùbǎo - Alipay) and 微信支付 (Wēixìn Zhīfù - WeChat Pay), China has largely leapfrogged the “card era” and become a nearly cashless society in urban areas. Today, while locals might go weeks without needing one, the 自动取款机 remains crucial for foreigners who need to withdraw cash from international accounts, for people in more rural areas, or for situations where only 现金 (xiànjīn - cash) is accepted.
You'll encounter this term on bank signs, on maps, and in conversation when you need cash.
The term itself is neutral and functional, carrying no special connotation.