Anguilla, a serene Caribbean island known for its white-sand beaches, turquoise waters, and laid-back charm, is a tropical paradise for travelers. Whether you’re relaxing on Shoal Bay, dining at a beachfront restaurant, or exploring the island by boat, it’s important to know how to handle cash. While many resorts and larger businesses accept cards, cash is commonly used in local shops, beach bars, and taxis. This guide offers key insights into cash and ATMs in Anguilla, including withdrawal fees, transaction limits, exchange rates, and card acceptance, ensuring a stress-free and enjoyable island experience.
Where to find ATMs in Anguilla?
The majority of ATMs in Anguilla are found in The Valley, the island’s capital. They are usually attached to local banks such as the National Commercial Bank of Anguilla (NCBA), Republic Bank, or Caribbean Commercial Bank. These machines dispense East Caribbean dollars (XCD) and are often available during bank hours, with limited 24/7 options.
Tourist Spots:
Popular beach areas like Shoal Bay, Meads Bay, and Sandy Ground may have ATMs near resorts, beachfront restaurants, or convenience stores. However, card machines may not always be reliable, and outages are not uncommon. It’s recommended to withdraw cash in The Valley or at the airport before traveling to remote beaches.
Rural Areas:
Outside of The Valley and major beach districts, ATM availability is sparse. Many local businesses in more residential or undeveloped parts of the island operate on a cash-only basis. It’s wise to keep a reasonable amount of cash on hand, especially if renting a car or exploring local eateries and roadside vendors.
Best ATMs to use in Anguilla for foreigners
The best ATMs for foreigners to use in Anguilla are those owned by popular banks such as:
- National Commercial Bank of Anguilla (NCBA), and
- Republic Bank.
Don’t accept conversion at ATMs and withdraw only in local currency
In Anguilla, some ATMs may ask – Accept OR Decline Conversion (also known as With or Without Conversion, or Charge in XCD).
– 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 XCD’.
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 Anguilla?
Yes, many foreign debit and credit cards are widely accepted at ATMs in Anguilla. ATMs commonly accept Visa and Mastercards. Some of them also accept Plus and Cirrus cards. Others like CUP, American Express, Diners, Discover and Rupay cards are generally not accepted.
What are the ATM opening hours?
ATMs in Anguilla are generally available 24/7, but may operate only during bank hours (Mon–Fri) in smaller branches or remote areas.
What are ATMs called in Anguilla?
They are commonly referred to as “ATMs”, with signage clearly displaying the term. Some may simply show the bank’s name, especially if attached to smaller financial institutions.
Language options at ATMs
English is the default and only language on ATMs in Anguilla, as it is the official language.
If you don’t know the language, try using Google Translate’s camera tool, but double-check, as it may not always be a 100% accurate translation.
What currencies can I withdraw from ATMs in Anguilla?
ATMs in Anguilla dispense Eastern Caribbean dollars (XCD), which is the territory’s official currency as well as some ATMs offer the option of withdrawing US dollars from them, as it is a widely accepted across the island.
ATM withdrawal limits in Anguilla?
ATMs in Anguilla have a maximum withdrawal limit per transaction of XCD 1,500 to XCD 2,500 per transaction. ATMs typically do not limit the number of transactions per day and they do not impose daily withdrawal limits for foreign card holders.
ATM Fees in Anguilla
There are no fee-free ATMs in Anguilla. Majority of the bank ATMs in Anguilla charge XCD 13.5 per transaction to 2% per transaction ATM Access Fee for foreign card holders. So you can use the one with lower ATM fees.
Apart from ATM Access Fees, there can be other potential charges to withdraw cash in Anguilla. 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 Anguilla
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 Anguilla?
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 Anguilla. 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 Anguilla. Download now from the App Store or Play Store.
Download ATM Fee Saver now.
Safety at ATMs
Anguilla maintains a low crime rate, but petty theft and occasional scams can occur, particularly in areas frequented by tourists. When withdrawing cash, use ATMs located within banks, hotels, or well-lit commercial spaces. Avoid standalone ATMs in secluded areas or using machines late at night. Always be aware of your surroundings, shield your PIN, and inspect the ATM for any signs of tampering. As with any travel destination, keeping a backup card and monitoring your transactions through your bank’s app is a smart precaution.
FAQs
What to do if an ATM takes your card?
If an ATM in Anguilla 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 Anguilla?
No, its usually not possible.There are no fee-free ATMs in Anguilla. Majority of the bank ATMs in Anguilla charge XCD 13.5 per transaction to 2% per transaction ATM Access Fee for foreign card holders. So you can use the one with lower ATM fees.
Foreign cards from US, UK, India, China, Europe, Australia accepted at ATMs in Anguilla?
Yes. ATMs in major cities in Anguilla and international hotel chains accept many types of international cards.
Bitcoin ATMs?
There are two Bitcoin ATMs in Anguilla, located around The Valley. These machines support Bitcoin (BTC), Bitcoin Cash (BCH), Ether (ETH), Litecoin (LTC), and other major cryptocurrencies. They operate 24/7.
Foreign bank ATMs’ presence in Anguilla
- Bank of America: No, there are no Bank of America ATMs here.
- Citibank: No, Citibank does not operate ATMs in Anguilla.
- Barclays: No Barclays ATMs exist in Anguilla.
- HSBC: No, HSBC does not maintain ATMs on the island.
- Standard Chartered: No, Standard Chartered is not present and does not operate ATMs in Anguilla.
