Norfolk Island, a remote Australian territory in the South Pacific, is known for its towering pines, convict-era heritage, and peaceful island lifestyle. Whether you’re exploring Kingston’s historic ruins, hiking through lush national parks, or enjoying fresh local produce, managing your money is essential. The Australian dollar is the official currency, and while some businesses accept cards, cash remains the preferred method of payment for many local shops and services. This guide provides key details on cash and ATMs in Norfolk Island, including withdrawal fees, transaction limits, exchange rates, and card acceptance, ensuring a smooth and well-prepared island visit.
Where to find ATMs in Norfolk Island?
Norfolk Island has a very limited ATM network. The main ATM is located at the Commonwealth Bank branch in Burnt Pine, the island’s central commercial hub. This machine dispenses Australian dollars (AUD) and supports most major cards. The bank branch and ATM generally operate only during weekday business hours, and cash withdrawal limits may apply.
Tourist Spots:
Burnt Pine, where most shops, cafés, and services are located, is your best and only reliable place to access an ATM. Some hotels and the airport may offer EFTPOS facilities, but don’t rely on them for cash withdrawals. Card acceptance is fairly common in tourist-facing businesses, but smaller operators may request cash payments.
Rural Areas / Outlying Areas:
Norfolk Island is small, and once you leave Burnt Pine, ATM access disappears. If you’re visiting coastal reserves, World Heritage sites like Kingston and Arthur’s Vale, or remote beaches, ensure you have enough cash in hand for the day. While the island is developed, it retains a remote-island economy, and digital payments are not always guaranteed.
Best ATMs to use in Norfolk Island for foreigners
The best ATMs for foreigners to use in Norfolk Island is that by Commonwealth Bank.
Don’t accept conversion at ATMs and withdraw only in local currency
In Norfolk Island, some ATMs may ask – Accept OR Decline Conversion (also known as With or Without Conversion, or Charge in AUD).
– 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 AUD’.
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 Norfolk Island?
The only ATM in Norfolk Island commonly accepts 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?
Norfolk Island has very limited ATM access. The only public ATM is typically located at the Commonwealth Bank branch in Burnt Pine, and it’s generally accessible during business hours (Mon–Fri, 9am–4pm).
What are ATMs called in Norfolk Island?
They are simply referred to as “ATMs”, though signage may only feature the bank’s name, such as Commonwealth Bank.
Language options at ATMs
ATMs operate in English, the official language. Interfaces are simple to use usually.
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 Norfolk Island?
ATMs on Norfolk Island dispense only Australian dollars (AUD), the official currency. Although major credit cards may be accepted locally, there is typically just one public ATM (located at the Commonwealth Bank branch in Burnt Pine), and machines do not offer other currencies or USD withdrawal options.
ATM withdrawal limits in Norfolk Island?
There is only one bank with ATM in Norfolk Island and allows to withdraw upto AUD 2,000 per transaction. There is no daily withdrawal limit but note that ATMs in remote areas may run out of cash.
ATM Fees in Norfolk Island
There is no fee-free ATM in Norfolk Island. The bank ATM in Norfolk Island usually charges AUD 7.5 per transaction ATM Access Fee for foreign card holders. However, it has fee-free withdrawal only for specific types of cards from certain banks.
Apart from ATM Access Fees, there can be other potential charges to withdraw cash in Norfolk Island. 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 Norfolk Island
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 Norfolk Island?
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 Norfolk Island. 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 Norfolk Island. Download now from the App Store or Play Store.
Download ATM Fee Saver now.
Safety at ATMs
Norfolk Island is an exceptionally safe destination, with a close-knit community and virtually no serious crime. ATM use is safe, though access is limited – usually restricted to one or two machines located in central areas like Burnt Pine. Use ATMs during business hours or daylight, and preferably within or near a bank or post office. While you’re unlikely to face safety threats, it’s smart to plan ahead and carry some cash, as outages or technical issues with local ATMs may occur occasionally.
FAQs
What to do if an ATM takes your card?
If an ATM in Norfolk Island 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 Norfolk Island?
No, its usually not possible.There is no fee-free ATM in Norfolk Island. The bank ATM in Norfolk Island usually charges AUD 7.5 per transaction ATM Access Fee for foreign card holders. However, it has fee-free withdrawal only for specific types of cards from certain banks.
Foreign cards from US, UK, India, China, Europe, Australia accepted at ATMs in Norfolk Island?
Yes. ATMs in major cities in Norfolk Island and international hotel chains accept many types of international cards.
Bitcoin ATMs?
There are no Bitcoin ATMs currently operating on Norfolk Island. Crypto access is handled through digital or peer-to-peer platforms rather than physical kiosks.
Foreign bank ATMs’ presence in Norfolk Island
- Bank of America: No, there are no Bank of America ATMs here.
- Citibank: No, Citibank does not operate in Norfolk Island.
- Barclays: No, Barclays has no ATMs here.
- HSBC: No, HSBC does not offer consumer ATMs on the island.
- Standard Chartered: No, Standard Chartered does not operate ATMs in Norfolk Island.
