Vanuatu, an island nation in the South Pacific, is known for its active volcanoes, traditional villages, and breathtaking diving spots. Whether you’re hiking Mount Yasur, exploring Efate’s beaches, or visiting local markets in Port Vila, knowing how to access cash is essential. While cards are accepted in some hotels and tourist businesses, cash is still widely used throughout the islands – especially in remote areas and for local transport. This guide covers everything you need to know about cash and ATMs in Vanuatu, including withdrawal fees, transaction limits, exchange rates, and card acceptance, ensuring a smooth and relaxed island adventure.
Where to find ATMs in Vanuatu?
Most ATMs in Vanuatu are concentrated in Port Vila (on Efate Island) and Luganville (on Espiritu Santo). ATMs can be found at banks like ANZ, Bred Bank, and the National Bank of Vanuatu, especially near government buildings, commercial areas, and markets. These machines dispense Vanuatu vatu (VUV) and usually accept Visa cards; Mastercard and other international cards are not always supported.
Tourist Spots:
Popular areas such as Mele Beach, Hideaway Island, and Champagne Beach have limited ATM access – generally found only in nearby towns. Many resorts accept cards, but local shops, tour operators, and cafés prefer cash. It’s best to withdraw money in Port Vila before heading to beach resorts or outlying areas.
Outer Islands / Rural Areas:
On islands like Tanna or Pentecost, ATM availability is very limited or nonexistent. If you’re visiting Mount Yasur, traditional villages, or planning inter-island travel, you must bring cash with you. Card usage is rare outside the main islands, and ATMs may not be operational during power or network outages.
Best ATMs to use in Vanuatu for foreigners
The best ATMs for foreigners to use in Vanuatu are those owned by popular banks such as:
- BRED Bank,
- National Bank, and
- ANZ.
There are no known Global ATM Alliance member banks or All Points network banks in Vanuatu.
Don’t accept conversion at ATMs and withdraw only in local currency
In Vanuatu, some ATMs may ask – Accept OR Decline Conversion (also known as With or Without Conversion, or Charge in VUV).
– 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 VUV’.
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 Vanuatu?
Yes, many foreign debit and credit cards are widely accepted at ATMs in Vanuatu. ATMs commonly accept Visa, Mastercard, Cirrus and Maestro cards. Majority of the other card types such as Plus, CUP, JCB, American Express, Diners, Discover and Rupay cards are not accepted.
What are the ATM opening hours?
In Port Vila and Luganville, ATMs are typically available 24/7. However, machines may occasionally experience downtime or limited cash on weekends.
What are ATMs called in Vanuatu?
They are simply called “ATMs”, and signage is in English or French, depending on the bank.
Language options at ATMs
ATMs in Vanuatu operate in English and sometimes French, both official languages. Interfaces are uusally simple.
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 Vanuatu?
ATMs in Vanuatu issue only Vanuatu vatu (VUV), the country’s official currency. Machines are typically found in Port Vila and Luganville, and do not offer foreign currencies like USD or AUD.
ATM withdrawal limits in Vanuatu?
ATMs in Vanuatu have a maximum withdrawal limit per transaction of VUV 44,000 per transaction. Some banks have daily withdrawal limits while majority of them do not impose any daily limits on amount of number of transactions.
ATM Fees in Vanuatu
There are no fee-free ATMs in Vanuatu. Majority of the bank ATMs in Vanuatu charge VUV 700 to VUV 800 per transaction ATM Access Fee for foreign card holders.
Apart from ATM Access Fees, there can be other potential charges to withdraw cash in Vanuatu. 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 Vanuatu
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 Vanuatu?
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 Vanuatu. 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 Vanuatu. Download now from the App Store or Play Store.
Download ATM Fee Saver now.
Safety at ATMs
Vanuatu is a friendly and relaxed island nation with low crime levels, but petty theft can happen, especially in urban areas like Port Vila. ATMs are available mainly in the capital and a few tourist areas. It’s advisable to use machines inside banks or hotel lobbies during the day. Due to occasional power or network outages, carry a backup card and some emergency cash. Shield your PIN, be discreet when withdrawing money, and avoid using ATMs in isolated or poorly lit spots.
FAQs
What to do if an ATM takes your card?
If an ATM in Vanuatu 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 Vanuatu?
No, its usually not possible.There are no fee-free ATMs in Vanuatu. Majority of the bank ATMs in Vanuatu charge VUV 700 to VUV 800 per transaction ATM Access Fee for foreign card holders.
Foreign cards from US, UK, India, China, Europe, Australia accepted at ATMs in Vanuatu?
Yes. ATMs in major cities in Vanuatu and international hotel chains accept many types of international cards.
Bitcoin ATMs?
There are no Bitcoin ATMs confirmed in Vanuatu. Crypto access remains digital – via exchanges and peer-to-peer services – without any public kiosks currently reported.
Foreign bank ATMs’ presence in Vanuatu
- Bank of America: No, there are no Bank of America ATMs here.
- Citibank: No, Citibank does not operate ATMs in Vanuatu.
- Barclays: No, Barclays has no presence in Vanuatu.
- HSBC: No, HSBC does not operate consumer ATMs here.
- Standard Chartered: No, Standard Chartered does not maintain ATMs in Vanuatu.
