Guadeloupe, a butterfly-shaped French Caribbean archipelago, offers a vibrant mix of Creole culture, lush rainforests, and scenic beaches. Whether you’re hiking in Basse-Terre’s national park, enjoying fresh seafood in Pointe-à-Pitre, or relaxing on the sands of Grande-Terre, understanding how to manage your money is essential. As a French territory, Guadeloupe uses the euro and has good card infrastructure, but cash is still commonly used in markets, bakeries, and local businesses. This guide covers everything you need to know about cash and ATMs in Guadeloupe, including withdrawal fees, transaction limits, exchange rates, and card acceptance, ensuring a smooth island experience.
Where to find ATMs in Guadeloupe?
ATMs are widespread in larger towns and cities across both Basse-Terre and Grande-Terre. In Pointe-à-Pitre, Basse-Terre (the administrative capital), and Le Gosier, machines can be found at shopping centers, gas stations, and bank branches. French banks such as Banque Postale, Société Générale, and Crédit Agricole operate most ATMs. They dispense euros and support international cards like Visa and Mastercard.
Tourist Spots:
ATMs are available near resorts and beaches in Sainte-Anne, Saint-François, and Deshaies. Machines are also common at airports and ferry terminals. During weekends or public holidays, ATMs in high-traffic tourist zones may temporarily run out of cash, so plan ahead if visiting during peak travel periods.
Rural Areas:
In smaller towns and mountainous areas – such as those near La Soufrière volcano or in the northern interior – ATM access can be limited. Local eateries and guesthouses may not accept cards, so it’s advisable to carry cash if traveling inland or off the main tourist trail.
Best ATMs to use in Guadeloupe for foreigners
The best ATMs for foreigners to use in Guadeloupe are those owned by popular banks such as:
- BNP Paribas,
- Banque Postale, and
- Credit Agricole.
Don’t accept conversion at ATMs and withdraw only in local currency
In Guadeloupe, some ATMs may ask – Accept OR Decline Conversion (also known as With or Without Conversion, or Charge in EUR).
– If you ‘Accept’ – ATM converts your money at ATM’s set exchange rate and you pay an extra % fee to the ATM for currency conversion also.
– If you ‘Decline’ – ATM will convert at exchange rate of the bank/card logo (Visa, Master, etc.).
So, to avoid extra fees, select ‘Decline/Without’ Conversion or ‘Charge in EUR’.
If you’d like to understand more, read ATM fees abroad: Charges to use cards at foreign ATMs explained.
Can I use a foreign debit or credit card at an ATM in Guadeloupe?
Yes, many foreign debit and credit cards are widely accepted at ATMs in Guadeloupe. ATMs commonly accept Visa, Mastercards, Plus and Cirrus cards. Only some accept CUP, JCB, Maestro and American Express, Diners, Discover and Rupay cards.
What are the ATM opening hours?
Most ATMs in Guadeloupe are available 24/7, especially those near town centers, ferry ports, and shopping districts. Machines inside post offices or government buildings follow regular office hours.
What are ATMs called in Guadeloupe?
ATMs are known as “Distributeurs automatiques” or “DAB” in French, but signage often includes “ATM” in tourist areas.
Language options at ATMs
ATMs default to French, with English available on many machines, especially in larger towns or at the airport. Spanish may also be available.
If you don’t understand these languages, try scanning the ATM screen on your phone camera with Google Translate and get an indicative translation (please note – such translations can have errors).
What currencies can I withdraw from ATMs in Guadeloupe?
All ATMs in Guadeloupe dispense euros (EUR) exclusively, as it is a French overseas region using the euro zone currency. There is no option to withdraw USD or other currencies at the ATMs here.
ATM withdrawal limits in Guadeloupe?
ATMs in Guadeloupe have a maximum withdrawal limit per transaction of as much as your card’s limit. Banks also usually do not limit the number of transactions per day or impose any daily withdrawal limits. So you can withdraw as much as your bank card allows.
ATM Fees in Guadeloupe
There are many fee-free ATMs in Guadeloupe. Majority of the Bank ATMs in Guadeloupe do not charge any ATM Access Fees per transaction to foreign card holders.
Apart from ATM Access Fees, there can be other potential charges to withdraw cash in Guadeloupe. These are:
1. Currency Conversion Fees (Accept or Decline Conversion)
2. Your Bank’s currency conversion fee – Some banks charge the card holder a fee to use the card abroad. Cross check with your bank on what the charges are.
How to avoid high fees when withdrawing cash in Guadeloupe
Use the lower fee ATMs in the country.
Use the ATM Fee Saver app to find fee-free or low-fee ATMs.
Opt for “Decline Conversion” or “Without Conversion” during ATM transactions.
Consider getting fee-free cards from your home country.
Avoid using ATMs at the airports, sometimes they have higher fees.
For a detailed guide, read Withdrawing cash abroad? 9 best ways to save foreign ATM fees.
Ways to find fee-free ATMs in Guadeloupe?
Discover fee-free and low-fee ATMs on the ATM Fee Saver mobile app for iOS and Android. This app provides ATM PINs and details of leading bank ATMs such as ATM fees and withdrawal limits for foreign cardholders at ATMs in Guadeloupe. Moreover, its simple fee calculator helps you determine exact withdrawal charges. You can also find cash tips and tricks on the app for 160+ countries including Guadeloupe. Download now from the App Store or Play Store.
Download ATM Fee Saver now.
Safety at ATMs
Guadeloupe has a relatively low crime rate, but travelers should still take care, particularly in urban areas like Pointe-à-Pitre where petty theft can occur. Use ATMs located within bank branches, shopping centers, or hotels to reduce risk. Avoid withdrawing cash from machines in dimly lit or isolated areas, especially at night. Be cautious of your surroundings, shield your PIN while entering it, and store your cash securely after withdrawal. Regularly monitoring your bank statements can help detect any unauthorized activity early.
FAQs
What to do if an ATM takes your card?
If an ATM in Guadeloupe takes your card, contact the bank (if you used an ATM inside a bank branch), they may retreive your card if you have proof of identity. You can also contact the bank’s helpline but they usually retreive and resend new cards only for their own customers. If so, you’ll need to contact your own bank and ask them to deliver a new card at home or abroad.
Fee-free ATMs and possible to withdraw cash free of cost at ATMs in Guadeloupe?
Yes, its possible. There are many fee-free ATMs in Guadeloupe. Majority of the Bank ATMs in Guadeloupe do not charge any ATM Access Fees per transaction to foreign card holders.
Foreign cards from US, UK, India, China, Europe, Australia accepted at ATMs in Guadeloupe?
Yes. ATMs in major cities in Guadeloupe and international hotel chains accept many types of international cards.
Bitcoin ATMs?
There are no standalone Bitcoin ATMs currently listed in Guadeloupe. Crypto services are available through online platforms, but no physical kiosks have been confirmed on island listings.
Foreign bank ATMs’ presence in Guadeloupe
- Bank of America: No, there are no Bank of America ATMs here.
- Citibank: No, Citibank does not operate in Guadeloupe.
- Barclays: No, Barclays does not have ATM services in Guadeloupe.
- HSBC: No, HSBC does not run consumer ATMs on the island.
- Standard Chartered: No, Standard Chartered has no presence and does not operate ATMs here.
