Lesotho, the Kingdom in the Sky, is a mountainous nation surrounded by South Africa, known for its dramatic landscapes, friendly locals, and traditional Basotho culture. Whether you’re trekking in the highlands, visiting rural villages, or exploring the capital Maseru, understanding how to access cash is essential. While cards are accepted in some hotels and urban businesses, cash remains the primary payment method throughout much of the country. This guide provides key insights into cash and ATMs in Lesotho, including withdrawal fees, transaction limits, exchange rates, and card acceptance, ensuring a well-prepared and seamless journey.
Where to find ATMs in Lesotho?
Maseru, the capital, has the most reliable ATM network, especially in central areas like Kingsway Street, near The Mall Maseru, and around the Pioneer Mall. ATMs are operated by banks such as Standard Lesotho Bank, Nedbank Lesotho, and First National Bank (FNB). Most machines dispense Lesotho loti (LSL) and accept international Visa or Mastercard cards. ATM queues may be long around month-end or during public holidays.
Tourist Spots:
ATMs can be found near hotels and lodges in tourist-accessible areas like Roma, Morija, and near Semonkong Lodge. However, availability is limited, and ATMs may be out of service or cash. If traveling to remote waterfalls, mountain passes, or cultural villages, it’s essential to withdraw cash in Maseru first.
Rural Areas:
In remote highlands and rural regions – such as Thaba-Tseka or Mokhotlong – ATMs are either nonexistent or unreliable. Many local businesses, taxi services, and guesthouses only accept cash. Carrying cash in advance is crucial when exploring Lesotho’s mountainous interior or traveling overland from South Africa.
Best ATMs to use in Lesotho for foreigners
The best ATMs for foreigners to use in Lesotho are those owned by popular banks such as:
- Postbank,
- Nedbank,
- First National Bank, and
- Ecobank.
There are other banks with ATMs that also accept international debit and credit cards.
There are no known Global ATM Alliance member banks or All Points network banks in Lesotho.
Don’t accept conversion at ATMs and withdraw only in local currency
In Lesotho, some ATMs may ask – Accept OR Decline Conversion (also known as With or Without Conversion, or Charge in LSL).
– 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 LSL’.
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 Lesotho?
Yes, many foreign debit and credit cards are widely accepted at ATMs in Lesotho.
ATMs commonly accept Visa, Mastercards, Plus, Cirrus and Maestro cards. Others like CUP, JCB, American Express, Diners, Discover and Rupay cards are generally not accepted.
What are the ATM opening hours?
ATMs in Lesotho generally operate 24/7, particularly in Maseru and larger towns. Machines in rural areas may be less reliable due to power or connectivity issues.
What are ATMs called in Lesotho?
They’re known as “ATMs” or “Cash Machines”. Signage usually includes the word “ATM” along with the branding of banks such as Standard Lesotho Bank and Nedbank.
Language options at ATMs
ATMs offer services in English and Sesotho, the two official languages of Lesotho.
You can use Google Translate App’s camera function to translate the ATM screen if you don’t understand these languages, but be cautious as the translations may not be entirely accurate.
What currencies can I withdraw from ATMs in Lesotho?
ATMs in Lesotho dispense only Lesotho loti (LSL). Even though the loti is pegged to the South African rand (ZAR) and rand notes are sometimes accepted by merchants, withdrawals at ATMs only have Loti.
ATM withdrawal limits in Lesotho?
ATMs in Lesotho have a maximum withdrawal limit per transaction of LSL 5,000 per transaction. Banks usually do not limit the number of transactions per day and do not usually have daily withdrawal limits so you can make multiple transactions if you need more cash.
ATM Fees in Lesotho
There is only one fee-free ATM in Lesotho. Majority of the bank ATMs in Lesotho charge LSL 50 to LSL 60 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 Lesotho. 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 Lesotho
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 Lesotho?
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 Lesotho. 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 Lesotho. Download now from the App Store or Play Store.
Download ATM Fee Saver now.
Safety at ATMs
Lesotho is generally safe for travelers, but petty crime such as theft and ATM scams can occur, especially in Maseru and near border crossings. Use ATMs inside bank branches or in shopping centers rather than those on the street or in isolated areas. Avoid withdrawing cash at night, and always shield your PIN from view. Be alert for any tampering or devices attached to the machine that could indicate skimming. Monitor your transactions closely and keep valuables out of sight after making a withdrawal.
FAQs
What to do if an ATM takes your card?
If an ATM in Lesotho 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 Lesotho?
Yes, its possible. There is only one fee-free ATM in Lesotho. Majority of the bank ATMs in Lesotho charge LSL 50 to LSL 60 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 Lesotho?
Yes. ATMs in major cities in Lesotho and international hotel chains accept many types of international cards.
Bitcoin ATMs?
There are no known Bitcoin ATMs in Lesotho. Cryptocurrency is very niche here, with no verified physical machines to date.
Foreign bank ATMs’ presence in Lesotho
- Bank of America: No, there are no Bank of America ATMs here.
- Citibank: No, Citibank does not operate here.
- Barclays: No, Barclays has no retail ATM network in Lesotho.
- HSBC: No, HSBC is not present.
- Standard Chartered: No, Standard Chartered does not operate ATMs in Lesotho.
