New Caledonia, a French territory in the South Pacific, is known for its stunning lagoons, Melanesian culture, and blend of European and island influences. Whether you’re snorkeling in the UNESCO-listed reef, exploring Nouméa’s markets, or relaxing on the Isle of Pines, managing your money wisely is important. The official currency is the CFP franc, and cards are accepted in many urban areas, but cash remains essential for local shops, rural areas, and transport. This guide provides key information on cash and ATMs in New Caledonia, including withdrawal fees, transaction limits, exchange rates, and card acceptance, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable island stay.
Where to find ATMs in New Caledonia?
Nouméa, the capital and largest city, has the highest concentration of ATMs. Machines are found in shopping centers (e.g., Centre Commercial La Promenade), near Anse Vata Beach, and outside banks like Banque Calédonienne d’Investissement (BCI), Banque de Nouvelle-Calédonie (BNC), and Société Générale Calédonienne. ATMs dispense CFP francs (XPF) and support most international cards.
Tourist Spots:
In Nouméa’s tourist zones – including Lemon Bay (Baie des Citrons), Anse Vata, and the Port Moselle area – ATMs are available near hotels, restaurants, and ferry terminals. On the Loyalty Islands (Lifou, Maré, and Ouvéa) and Isle of Pines, ATM access is more limited and typically only available near small airstrips or administrative centers. Cash is preferred at markets and remote guesthouses.
Rural Areas / Remote Islands:
Inland villages and smaller communes outside Nouméa have sparse ATM coverage. Some rural districts may have a single ATM near a post office or town hall, but many local businesses accept only cash. Visitors planning to explore the islands or countryside should withdraw enough money in Nouméa beforehand, as cards are not always accepted.
Best ATMs to use in New Caledonia for foreigners
The best ATMs for foreigners to use in New Caledonia are those owned by popular banks such as:
- BCI,
- BNC,
- Societe Generale,
- BNP Paribas, and
- Banque Postale.
Don’t accept conversion at ATMs and withdraw only in local currency
In New Caledonia, some ATMs may ask – Accept OR Decline Conversion (also known as With or Without Conversion, or Charge in XPF).
– 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 XPF’.
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 New Caledonia?
Yes, many foreign debit and credit cards are widely accepted at ATMs in New Caledonia. ATMs commonly accept Visa, Mastercard, Plus, Cirrus, CUP, JCB, Maestro cards. Others like American Express, Diners, Discover and Rupay cards are generally not accepted.
What are the ATM opening hours?
Most ATMs in New Caledonia, especially in Nouméa, operate 24/7. Machines in smaller towns or attached to post offices may only be accessible during business hours (Mon–Fri, 8am–4pm).
What are ATMs called in New Caledonia?
They are known as “Distributeurs automatiques” or “DAB” in French. In tourist areas, signage often includes “ATM” alongside logos of local banks like BCI and Banque de Nouvelle-Calédonie.
Language options at ATMs
ATMs default to French, but English is available on many machines, especially in tourist zones and at the airport.
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 New Caledonia?
ATMs in New Caledonia dispense only CFP francs (XPF), the local currency shared with other French Pacific territories. Machines do not offer euros or foreign currencies. Withdrawals typically include denominations like 500, 1 000, 5 000, and 10 000 XPF, and are available at major towns and airports.
ATM withdrawal limits in New Caledonia?
ATMs in New Caledonia 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 New Caledonia
There are many fee-free ATMs in New Caledonia. Majority of the Bank ATMs in New Caledonia do not charge any ATM Access Fees per transaction to foreign card holders. 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 New Caledonia. 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 New Caledonia
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 New Caledonia?
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 New Caledonia. 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 New Caledonia. Download now from the App Store or Play Store.
Download ATM Fee Saver now.
Safety at ATMs
New Caledonia is generally safe for travelers, especially in tourist areas like Nouméa. ATMs are reliable and widely available in urban centers, but standard precautions still apply. Use machines located inside banks, shopping centers, or hotel lobbies for added security. While serious crime is rare, petty theft can occur, especially in crowded areas. Avoid using ATMs late at night or in secluded spots, shield your PIN, and keep your cash out of sight. Monitoring your bank account helps ensure a smooth and safe visit.
FAQs
What to do if an ATM takes your card?
If an ATM in New Caledonia 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 New Caledonia?
Yes, its possible. There are many fee-free ATMs in New Caledonia. Majority of the Bank ATMs in New Caledonia do not charge any ATM Access Fees per transaction to foreign card holders. 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 New Caledonia?
Yes. ATMs in major cities in New Caledonia and international hotel chains accept many types of international cards.
Bitcoin ATMs?
There are no Bitcoin ATMs currently operating in New Caledonia. While some crypto services may be available via digital platforms, no physical kiosks are confirmed.
Foreign bank ATMs’ presence in New Caledonia
- Bank of America: No, there are no Bank of America ATMs here.
- Citibank: No, Citibank does not operate ATMs in New Caledonia.
- Barclays: No, Barclays has no retail ATM presence here.
- HSBC: No, HSBC does not operate consumer ATMs in New Caledonia.
- Standard Chartered: No, Standard Chartered does not maintain ATMs here.
