Martinique, a French Caribbean island of volcanic peaks, lush rainforests, and colorful coastal towns, offers a unique blend of Creole spirit and European charm. Whether you’re exploring Fort-de-France, hiking Mount Pelée, or enjoying the beaches of Les Anses-d’Arlet, managing your money wisely is essential. As an overseas region of France, Martinique uses the euro and has reliable card infrastructure, but cash is still commonly used in local markets, bakeries, and rural areas. This guide provides key details on cash and ATMs in Martinique, including withdrawal fees, transaction limits, exchange rates, and card acceptance, ensuring a carefree island stay.
Where to find ATMs in Martinique?
Martinique, as a French overseas department, has excellent ATM infrastructure, especially in Fort-de-France, the island’s capital. ATMs are widely available along Rue Victor Hugo, Place de Savane, and in shopping districts and public transport hubs. Banks like Crédit Agricole, Société Générale, Banque Postale, and BNP Paribas operate most machines. ATMs dispense euros and support major international cards.
Tourist Spots:
Popular beach towns and resort areas such as Les Trois-Îlets, Sainte-Anne, and Le Marin have ATMs near hotels, marinas, and tourist information centers. Machines are also commonly found at Aimé Césaire International Airport. Though many businesses accept cards, some rural restaurants, markets, and ferry operators may still prefer cash.
Rural Areas:
ATM access in mountainous or inland areas like Le Morne-Rouge or the northern villages near Mount Pelée may be less frequent. You’ll usually find one or two machines in town centers, often near a post office or bank. It’s advisable to carry cash when exploring hiking trails or staying at small gîtes.
Best ATMs to use in Martinique for foreigners
The best ATMs for foreigners to use in Martinique are those owned by popular banks such as:
- BNP Paribas and
- Banque Postale.
Don’t accept conversion at ATMs and withdraw only in local currency
In Martinique, 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 Martinique?
Yes, many foreign debit and credit cards are widely accepted at ATMs in Martinique. ATMs commonly accept Visa, Mastercard, Plus, Cirrus, Maestro, CUP, JCB cards. Others like American Express, Diners, Discover and Rupay cards are generally not accepted.
What are the ATM opening hours?
ATMs in Martinique are generally available 24/7, especially in Fort-de-France, airports, and shopping areas. Machines inside post offices or smaller branches may follow business hours.
What are ATMs called in Martinique?
They’re known as “Distributeurs automatiques” or “DAB” in French. Signage may also include “ATM” in tourist zones.
Language options at ATMs
ATMs offer French as the default language, with English available on many machines in tourist-friendly areas.
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 Martinique?
ATMs in Martinique dispense only euros (EUR), as it is a French overseas department following the Eurozone currency. US Dollars may be accepted by some businesses, but ATMs do not dispense USD or any other currency.
ATM withdrawal limits in Martinique?
ATMs in Martinique 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 Martinique
There are many fee-free ATMs in Martinique. Majority of the Bank ATMs in Martinique do not charge any ATM Access Fees per transaction to foreign card holders. One bank tends to charge some fee for certain card types. So you have many fee-free options as a foreign card holder to withdraw cash here.
Apart from ATM Access Fees, there can be other potential charges to withdraw cash in Martinique. 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 Martinique
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 Martinique?
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 Martinique. 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 Martinique. Download now from the App Store or Play Store.
Download ATM Fee Saver now.
Safety at ATMs
Martinique is a relatively safe French overseas territory, but petty crime such as pickpocketing and theft does happen, especially in tourist-heavy areas like Fort-de-France and beach towns. ATMs are secure when used inside bank branches, shopping centers, or hotels. Avoid using outdoor machines at night or in quiet locations. Be discreet with your cash, shield your PIN when entering it, and regularly review your bank statements to catch any unauthorized transactions. Staying alert and cautious will help ensure a smooth and secure experience.
FAQs
What to do if an ATM takes your card?
If an ATM in Martinique 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 Martinique?
Yes, its possible. There are many fee-free ATMs in Martinique. Majority of the Bank ATMs in Martinique do not charge any ATM Access Fees per transaction to foreign card holders. One bank tends to charge some fee for certain card types. So you have many fee-free options as a foreign card holder to withdraw cash here.
Foreign cards from US, UK, India, China, Europe, Australia accepted at ATMs in Martinique?
Yes. ATMs in major cities in Martinique and international hotel chains accept many types of international cards.
Bitcoin ATMs?
There are no Bitcoin ATMs currently listed in Martinique – no installations confirmed in Fort‑de‑France, Les Trois‑Îlets, or other towns. Crypto access is managed via online platforms and peer-to-peer exchange apps.
Foreign bank ATMs’ presence in Martinique
- Bank of America: No, there are no Bank of America ATMs here.
- Citibank: No, Citibank does not operate in Martinique.
- Barclays: No, Barclays is not present.
- HSBC: No, HSBC does not operate consumer ATMs in Martinique.
- Standard Chartered: No, Standard Chartered does not maintain ATM services here.
