Northern Mariana Islands, a U.S. commonwealth in the western Pacific, combine white-sand beaches, World War II history, and a relaxed island atmosphere. Whether you’re diving off Saipan, hiking in Rota, or exploring the quiet charm of Tinian, understanding how to access cash is important. The U.S. dollar is the official currency, and cards are accepted in most hotels and tourist establishments, but cash is still commonly used in smaller shops, markets, and local services. This guide offers essential information on cash and ATMs in the Northern Mariana Islands, including withdrawal fees, transaction limits, exchange rates, and card usage, ensuring a hassle-free island stay.
Where to find ATMs in Northern Mariana Islands?
Most ATMs in the Northern Mariana Islands are located on Saipan, the main island. You’ll find machines in Garapan (the island’s commercial center), at banks, shopping plazas, and government offices. First Hawaiian Bank, Bank of Guam, and Bank of Saipan operate the main ATM networks, and all dispense U.S. dollars (USD), the official currency.
Tourist Spots:
Tourist zones in Saipan – like Micro Beach, American Memorial Park, DFS Galleria, and major resorts – have ATMs nearby. The Saipan International Airport also has ATM access. Most resorts and tour operators accept cards, but smaller vendors and beach shacks may require cash, so it’s good to withdraw in Garapan before heading out.
Outer Islands (Tinian, Rota):
ATM access is much more limited on Tinian and Rota, with only one or two machines per island – usually near the airport or in the main village. These ATMs may occasionally be out of service or run out of cash. Visitors should withdraw money on Saipan before traveling to the smaller islands.
Best ATMs to use in Northern Mariana Islands for foreigners
The best ATMs for foreigners to use in Northern Mariana Islands are those owned by popular banks such as:
- Bank of Guam,
- First Hawaiian Bank, and
- Bank of Hawaii.
Don’t accept conversion at ATMs and withdraw only in local currency
In Northern Mariana 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 Northern Mariana Islands?
Yes, many foreign debit and credit cards are widely accepted at ATMs in Northern Mariana Islands. ATMs commonly accept Visa, Mastercard, Plus, Cirrus, CUP, Maestro cards. Others like JCB, American Express, Diners, Discover and Rupay cards are generally not accepted.
What are the ATM opening hours?
ATMs in the Northern Mariana Islands, especially in Saipan, are typically available 24/7, particularly at hotels, shopping centers, and bank branches. Some machines in smaller areas may follow the host venue’s hours.
What are ATMs called in Northern Mariana Islands?
They are referred to as “ATMs” alongside the machine or the bank name.
Language options at ATMs
Most ATMs operate in English.
If you don’t understand the language, 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 Northern Mariana Islands?
ATMs across the Northern Mariana Islands – especially on Saipan – dispense only U.S. dollars (USD), the official currency. No other currency options (e.g., JPY or EUR) are available via ATMs here.
ATM withdrawal limits in Northern Mariana Islands?
ATMs in Northern Mariana Islands have a maximum withdrawal limit per transaction of USD 1,000 per transaction. Banks usually do not limit the number of transactions per day.
ATM Fees in Northern Mariana Islands
There are no fee-free ATMs in Northern Mariana Islands. Majority of the bank ATMs in Northern Mariana Islands charge USD 5 to USD 5.2 per transaction ATM Access Fee for foreign card holders. So you can use the one with lower ATM fees.
Apart from ATM Access Fees, there can be other potential charges to withdraw cash in Northern Mariana 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 Northern Mariana 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 Northern Mariana 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 Northern Mariana 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 Northern Mariana Islands. Download now from the App Store or Play Store.
Download ATM Fee Saver now.
Safety at ATMs
The Northern Mariana Islands, particularly Saipan, are generally safe for travelers. ATM crime is rare, and machines are typically located in secure locations such as banks, shopping centers, hotels, and major supermarkets. Still, it’s best to use ATMs during the day and avoid poorly lit or isolated areas at night. Shield your PIN, be discreet with your withdrawals, and keep an eye on your account during your stay. Having a backup card or small amount of emergency cash is always a good idea in island settings.
FAQs
What to do if an ATM takes your card?
If an ATM in Northern Mariana 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 Northern Mariana Islands?
No, its usually not possible.There are no fee-free ATMs in Northern Mariana Islands. Majority of the bank ATMs in Northern Mariana Islands charge USD 5 to USD 5.2 per transaction ATM Access Fee for foreign card holders. So you can use the one with lower ATM fees.
Foreign cards from US, UK, India, China, Europe, Australia accepted at ATMs in Northern Mariana Islands?
Yes. ATMs in major cities in Northern Mariana Islands and international hotel chains accept many types of international cards.
Bitcoin ATMs?
There are no confirmed Bitcoin ATMs currently operating in the Northern Mariana Islands. Cryptocurrency usage is facilitated online or via peer-to-peer exchanges rather than via kiosks.
Foreign bank ATMs’ presence in Northern Mariana Islands
- Bank of America: No, there are no Bank of America ATMs here.
- Citibank: No, Citibank does not operate in the Northern Mariana Islands.
- Barclays: No, Barclays has no ATMs here.
- HSBC: No, HSBC does not maintain consumer ATM services on the islands.
- Standard Chartered: No, Standard Chartered does not operate ATMs here.
