Is it okay to use ATMs late in the evening in Djibouti or should I stick to daytime withdrawals only? I am a single woman travelling so want to be safe.
I don’t recommend ATM use after dark here. The city sleeps early, and even if you find a working ATM - like at Dahabshiil Bank - there’s not much security or crowd cover. Best to get cash around mid-morning when everything’s open and functioning properly. I kept backup francs in a travel wallet just in case.
I crossed overland from Ethiopia and arrived in Djibouti City in the evening. Found a functioning ATM near the Kempinski Hotel, but the streets were dark and quiet. I went during daylight the next time. If you’re wondering about withdrawing cash after dark in Djibouti, think logistics more than danger - infrastructure is fragile, not threatening.
I stayed near the beach and tried to use an ATM late - it was out of service. The next morning, it worked. Locals told me it’s common for machines to be offline after hours. I never felt directly unsafe, but the combination of low lighting and empty streets made me cautious. Bring USD as backup, just in case.
I was filming in Djibouti City and needed to withdraw cash after a shoot. Used an East Africa Bank ATM near Place Lagarde around 9 PM. It worked, but I had a local guide with me. ATM safety at night in Djibouti isn’t about crime - it’s about unpredictability. Machines may be empty, power may flicker, or streets might empty suddenly. Use during the day if possible.