Timor-Leste, one of the world’s newest nations, offers a rugged mix of untouched beaches, mountain landscapes, and rich cultural heritage. Whether you’re diving in Atauro Island, exploring the streets of Dili, or hiking in the highlands, knowing how to manage your money is essential. The U.S. dollar is the official currency, but card acceptance is limited outside of select hotels and expat-focused businesses. Cash remains the primary method of payment across the country. This guide provides key information on cash and ATMs in Timor-Leste, including withdrawal fees, transaction limits, exchange rates, and card usage, ensuring a smooth and well-prepared visit.
Where to find ATMs in Timor-Leste?
The capital city, Dili, is where nearly all ATMs in Timor-Leste are concentrated. Machines are found at banks, shopping centers, government buildings, and along main roads like Avenida Nicolau Lobato. ANZ, BNU (Banco Nacional Ultramarino), and Mandiri operate most ATMs, which dispense U.S. dollars (USD) – the official currency. Visa cards are more commonly accepted than Mastercard.
Tourist Spots:
In Dili’s beach areas, such as Areia Branca and Cristo Rei, you may find ATMs near hotels or fuel stations. However, card payments are not widely accepted in small cafés or local dive shops. In Atauro Island, ATM access is nonexistent – withdraw cash in Dili before taking the ferry or water taxi.
Rural Areas:
Inland towns like Baucau, Maubisse, and Aileu may have only one or two ATMs each – often inside a government office or next to a bank branch. Reliability is an issue, and power outages or lack of connectivity can render machines nonfunctional. If you’re traveling to mountainous areas or remote beach communities, ensure you have enough cash for all expenses.
Best ATMs to use in Timor-Leste for foreigners
The best ATMs for foreigners to use in Timor-Leste are those owned by popular banks such as:
- BNCTL,
- Mandiri Bank, and
- BNU Timor.
Don’t accept conversion at ATMs and withdraw only in local currency
In Timor-Leste, 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 Timor-Leste?
Yes, many foreign debit and credit cards are widely accepted at ATMs in Timor-Leste. ATMs commonly accept Visa and Plus cards. Some of them accept Mastercard or Plus, Cirrus and Maestro cards. Others such as CUP, JCB, American Express, Diners, Discover and Rupay cards are generally not accepted.
What are the ATM opening hours?
In Dili and other urban centers, ATMs are generally available 24/7, but downtime is common due to power outages or network issues. In rural areas, access is sparse and may be restricted to banking hours (Mon–Fri, 9am–3pm).
What are ATMs called in Timor-Leste?
They’re referred to as “ATMs”, and signage typically includes the term alongside the bank’s name.
Language options at ATMs
Most ATMs operate in Tetum, Portuguese, and English.
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 Timor-Leste?
ATMs in Timor‑Leste dispense only U.S. dollars (USD), the official currency. Machines in Dili – such as those at Timor Plaza or the airport – accept Visa and Mastercard issued cards and issue USD only. There is no option to withdraw euros, rupiah, or other currencies.
ATM withdrawal limits in Timor-Leste?
ATMs in Timor-Leste have a maximum withdrawal limit per transaction of USD 500 to USD 800 per transaction. Some banks have a daily withdrawal limit of USD 2,000.
ATM Fees in Timor-Leste
There are no fee-free ATMs in Timor-Leste. Majority of the bank ATMs in Timor-Leste charge USD 5 to USD 7.5 per transaction ATM Access Fee for foreign card holders.
Apart from ATM Access Fees, there can be other potential charges to withdraw cash in Timor-Leste. 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 Timor-Leste
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 Timor-Leste?
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 Timor-Leste. 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 Timor-Leste. Download now from the App Store or Play Store.
Safety at ATMs
Timor-Leste has a generally low crime rate, though petty theft can occur in urban areas such as Dili. ATM infrastructure is still developing, and machines may not always be operational or well-stocked. For safety and reliability, use ATMs inside major banks or hotels during the day. Avoid withdrawing cash in quiet or poorly lit areas. Be discreet with your money, shield your PIN, and consider carrying a backup card and some emergency cash, especially when venturing outside the capital.
FAQs
What to do if an ATM takes your card?
If an ATM in Timor-Leste 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 Timor-Leste?
No, its usually not possible.There are no fee-free ATMs in Timor-Leste. Majority of the bank ATMs in Timor-Leste charge USD 5 to USD 7.5 per transaction ATM Access Fee for foreign card holders.
Foreign cards from US, UK, India, China, Europe, Australia accepted at ATMs in Timor-Leste?
Yes. ATMs in major cities in Timor-Leste and international hotel chains accept many types of international cards.
Bitcoin ATMs?
There are no confirmed Bitcoin ATMs currently operating in Timor‑Leste. While platforms like Coinhub have suggested possible plans, no physical crypto ATMs are verified in Dili or other cities – crypto access is handled digitally.
Foreign bank ATMs’ presence in Timor-Leste
- Bank of America: No, there are no Bank of America ATMs here.
- Citibank: No, Citibank does not operate ATMs in Timor‑Leste.
- Barclays: No, Barclays has no ATM presence here.
- HSBC: No, HSBC does not maintain consumer ATMs on the islands.
- Standard Chartered: No, Standard Chartered does not operate ATMs in Timor‑Leste.
