Marshall Islands, a remote Pacific nation of coral atolls and crystal-clear lagoons, is known for its diving spots, WWII history, and rich island culture. Whether you’re exploring Majuro, snorkeling in Arno Atoll, or connecting with local communities, understanding how to access cash is crucial. The U.S. dollar is the official currency, but card acceptance is extremely limited, and cash remains the primary form of payment across the islands. This guide provides essential insights on cash and ATMs in the Marshall Islands, including withdrawal fees, transaction limits, exchange rates, and card usage, ensuring you’re financially prepared for this off-the-grid adventure.
Where to find ATMs in Marshall Islands?
ATM access in the Marshall Islands is extremely limited and concentrated almost entirely in Majuro, the capital. The Bank of the Marshall Islands (BMI) and the Marshall Islands branch of Bank of Guam operate the few available machines. Most are located near government offices, local banks, and the downtown area (Delap-Uliga-Djarrit). These ATMs dispense U.S. dollars (USD), which is the official currency.
Tourist Spots:
There are only a handful of hotels and guesthouses that may have nearby ATM access in Majuro, particularly close to the airport or the downtown strip. Tourist services are minimal on the outer atolls, and cash is often required even within Majuro for taxis, restaurants, and markets. Card usage is limited to a few hotels and official establishments.
Outer Islands / Rural Areas:
Beyond Majuro, most outer atolls such as Arno, Jaluit, and Kwajalein have no ATMs at all. These remote communities operate almost entirely on cash, and there are no credit card services available. Travelers must withdraw enough cash in Majuro before flying or sailing to the outer islands.
Best ATMs to use in Marshall Islands for foreigners
The best ATMs for foreigners to use in Marshall Islands is that by Bank of Guam.
Don’t accept conversion at ATMs and withdraw only in local currency
In Marshall Islands, some ATMs may ask – Accept OR Decline Conversion (also known as With or Without Conversion, or Charge in USD).
– 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 USD’.
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 Marshall Islands?
Yes, the ATMs in Marshall Islands Visa, Mastercard, Plus, Cirrus, JCB and American Express cards. Others such as CUP, Maestro, Diners, Discover and Rupay cards are generally not accepted.
What are the ATM opening hours?
ATM access in the Marshall Islands is limited, with most machines operating only during bank hours (Mon-Fri, 9am-3pm). There are no true 24/7 ATMs, and reliability can be an issue outside Majuro.
What are ATMs called in Marshall Islands?
They are referred to as “ATMs”, though signage may only show the name of the bank, such as Bank of Guam or Bank of the Marshall Islands.
Language options at ATMs
ATM interfaces operate in English, the official language. Interfaces are simple and easy to navigate. If you don’t know the language, use the Google Translate camera function to get a rough translation of the ATM screen.
What currencies can I withdraw from ATMs in Marshall Islands?
ATMs in the Marshall Islands dispense U.S. dollars (USD) only. The USD is the official currency of the country, so visitors withdrawing cash – even via international cards – will receive USD.
ATM withdrawal limits in Marshall Islands?
There is only one bank with ATM in Marshall Islands and allows to withdraw upto USD 1,000 per transaction. There is no daily withdrawal limit but note that ATMs in remote areas may run out of cash.
ATM Fees in Marshall Islands
There is no fee-free ATM in Marshall Islands. The bank ATM in Marshall Islands charges USD 5 per transaction ATM Access Fee for foreign card holders.
Apart from ATM Access Fees, there can be other potential charges to withdraw cash in Marshall Islands. 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 Marshall Islands
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 Marshall Islands?
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 Marshall Islands. 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 Marshall Islands. Download now from the App Store or Play Store.
Download ATM Fee Saver now.
Safety at ATMs
The Marshall Islands are generally peaceful with low levels of crime, but ATM access is very limited, mostly confined to Majuro. While serious crime is uncommon, occasional petty theft can occur. Use ATMs located within bank premises during business hours for maximum security. If traveling to outer atolls, it’s best to carry sufficient cash in advance. Always shield your PIN, avoid drawing attention during withdrawals, and monitor your account for any unusual activity. A backup card or emergency fund is advisable due to limited banking infrastructure.
FAQs
What to do if an ATM takes your card?
If an ATM in Marshall Islands 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 Marshall Islands?
No, its usually not possible.There is no fee-free ATM in Marshall Islands. The bank ATM in Marshall Islands charges USD 5 per transaction ATM Access Fee for foreign card holders.
Foreign cards from US, UK, India, China, Europe, Australia accepted at ATMs in Marshall Islands?
Yes. ATMs in major cities in Marshall Islands and international hotel chains accept many types of international cards.
Bitcoin ATMs?
There are no Bitcoin ATMs currently operating in the Marshall Islands. Global ATM directories indicate zero confirmed public machines at this time.
Foreign bank ATMs’ presence in Marshall Islands
- Bank of America: No, there are no Bank of America ATMs here.
- Citibank: No, Citibank does not operate in the Marshall Islands.
- Barclays: No, Barclays has no ATM presence here.
- HSBC: No, HSBC does not operate consumer ATMs in the Marshall Islands.
- Standard Chartered: No, Standard Chartered is not present and does not run ATMs here.
