Micronesia, a remote region of over 600 islands in the western Pacific, is known for its coral atolls, ancient ruins, and rich marine biodiversity. Whether you’re diving in Chuuk Lagoon, exploring Nan Madol in Pohnpei, or island-hopping across Yap, understanding how to access cash is essential. The U.S. dollar is the official currency, but ATMs can be limited, and card acceptance is often restricted to hotels and a few urban businesses. This guide provides crucial information on cash and ATMs in Micronesia, including withdrawal fees, transaction limits, exchange rates, and card usage, ensuring a financially prepared and smooth island journey.
Where to find ATMs in Micronesia?
In the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), ATM access is primarily limited to the state capitals – Palikir (Pohnpei), Kolonia, Weno (Chuuk), Tofol (Kosrae), and Colonia (Yap). Bank of the Federated States of Micronesia (Bank of FSM) and Bank of Guam operate most ATMs. These machines dispense U.S. dollars, the official currency. Locations include airports, near government buildings, and in local shopping areas.
Tourist Spots:
Tourist activity is modest in FSM, but areas like the Nan Madol ruins in Pohnpei, Blue Lagoon in Chuuk, and Yap’s stone money sites may have limited ATM access nearby – usually within the main island towns. However, guesthouses, dive shops, and tour operators often prefer cash, and card terminals may be unreliable due to power or network issues.
Rural Areas / Outer Islands:
In the outer islands and atolls, ATM access is nonexistent. Many areas are accessible only by boat or occasional flights, and there are no banking facilities available. Travelers should withdraw all necessary cash before leaving the state capitals, especially when visiting small communities or taking part in extended ecotourism trips.
Best ATMs to use in Micronesia for foreigners
The best ATMs for foreigners to use in Micronesia is that by Bank of Guam.
Don’t accept conversion at ATMs and withdraw only in local currency
In Micronesia, 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 Micronesia?
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?
ATMs in the Federated States of Micronesia are limited in number and mostly operate during bank hours (typically Mon–Fri, 9am–3pm). 24/7 access is rare, and outages are common in remote areas.
What are ATMs called in Micronesia?
They are referred to simply as “ATMs”, though signage may only display the name of the bank (like Bank of Guam or Bank of FSM), especially on smaller islands.
Language options at ATMs
ATMs operate in English, which is the official language. Interfaces are simple and tourist-friendly.
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 Micronesia?
ATMs in Micronesia dispense only U.S. dollars (USD), which is the country’s official and only legal currency. No other currencies are available via ATM withdrawals.
ATM withdrawal limits in Micronesia?
There is only one bank with ATM in Micronesia 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 Micronesia
There is no fee-free ATM in Micronesia. The bank ATM in Micronesia 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 Micronesia. 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 Micronesia
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 Micronesia?
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 Micronesia. 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 Micronesia. Download now from the App Store or Play Store.
Download ATM Fee Saver now.
Safety at ATMs
The Federated States of Micronesia is generally safe, with low crime rates, especially in small island communities. However, ATM infrastructure is limited and mostly found in major centers like Pohnpei and Chuuk. For safety and reliability, use ATMs located inside bank buildings or well-trafficked public locations during daytime hours. Petty theft is rare but possible, so be discreet with your cash and shield your PIN. Since connectivity issues can sometimes affect ATM function, carry a backup card and some emergency cash.
FAQs
What to do if an ATM takes your card?
If an ATM in Micronesia takes you card, you can contact the bank (if you used an ATM inside a bank branch), they may be able to retreive the card for you if you have proof of identity. You can also contact the bank’s helpline but typically they only retreive and resend new cards for their own customers. In such cases, you will need to contact your own bank and ask them to deliver a card to you at home or abroad.
Fee-free ATMs and possible to withdraw cash free of cost at ATMs in Micronesia?
No, its usually not possible.There is no fee-free ATM in Micronesia. The bank ATM in Micronesia 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 Micronesia?
Yes. ATMs in major cities in Micronesia and international hotel chains accept many types of international cards.
Bitcoin ATMs?
There are no known Bitcoin ATMs currently operating in the Federated States of Micronesia. Though cryptocurrency is accessible via online platforms and P2P exchanges, no physical crypto ATMs have been confirmed on islands like Pohnpei, Chuuk, Kosrae, or Yap.
Foreign bank ATMs’ presence in Micronesia
- Bank of America: No, there are no Bank of America ATMs here.
- Citibank: No, Citibank does not operate ATMs in Micronesia.
- Barclays: No, Barclays has no presence or ATMs here.
- HSBC: No, HSBC does not maintain consumer ATMs in Micronesia.
- Standard Chartered: No, Standard Chartered is not present and does not run ATMs here.
