Credit card declined in Burkina Faso

This is a recurring issue for travelers. Credit cards are not widely accepted in Burkina Faso, and even when a place has a card machine, it might not be working. The most reliable way to pay for everything is with cash, the CFA Franc (XOF). My advice is to find an ATM at a reputable bank branch and withdraw a good amount of cash. If that doesn't work, consider asking a family member to send you money through a wire transfer service.

My friend had this same problem. It's a combination of a few things: unreliable internet, older card terminals, and sometimes your home bank's fraud detection system. Even if you've notified them, a transaction in a country with a high fraud risk profile can automatically be declined. What you should do is call your bank and tell them you are in Burkina Faso and trying to make a transaction. They will likely lift the hold. Otherwise, just go with cash.

Don't worry, it's not you, it's the system. Credit card acceptance in Burkina Faso, even in a big city like Ouagadougou, is very limited. The POS terminals are often old, and the internet connection can be spotty. My advice is to always have a backup plan. I'd try to withdraw cash from a different ATM. Sometimes, even with a Visa card, you'll have issues. If all else fails, look for a Western Union or a similar money transfer service to get cash.

That's a huge pain. Unfortunately, this is a common problem in Burkina Faso. While you may have enough money and activated international use, the issue is often with the local banking infrastructure. Many businesses don't have a reliable connection to the international payment networks. My advice is to try a different machine, perhaps one attached to a bank like Ecobank or Coris Bank in Ouagadougou. The best solution is to use cash. Get money from a working ATM if you can, or if you can't, a cash advance with your passport at a bank branch.