Why do ATMs and shops in Guinea-Bissau just keep declining my wise card. It worked fine in other countries
Wise was a total fail for me in Guinea-Bissau. Even at the airport, the only ATM available declined it three times. Tried to use it at a hotel near Plaza Che Guevara, and again-nothing. Locals weren’t surprised; they said most foreign cards get blocked or can’t connect due to limited banking infrastructure. Bring euros or USD in cash and exchange locally-don’t count on card access here.
Had success at Ecobank Bissau, near the port. My Wise card worked after I switched my balance to XOF (CFA francs) and used chip+PIN only-no tap or magnetic stripe. I also made sure the card was set for international use in the Wise app. Didn’t try it at shops though-everyone was using cash. So yes, Wise can work, but only under very specific conditions. Don’t depend on it for daily purchases.
Just spent a week in Guinea-Bissau and ran into the same problem. My Wise Mastercard was refused at Orabank ATM in Bissau Velho. Also wouldn’t swipe at a few small shops in Bandim Market. I ended up using Western Union to send money to myself from my Wise balance-picked it up in CFA francs without hassle. It’s not ideal, but it’s one of the few workarounds that actually function here.
I was in Bissau in April and my Wise Visa card didn’t work anywhere-tried BANQUE ATLANTIQUE, EcoBank, and a local ATM near the Presidential Palace. All gave me generic ‘transaction failed’ errors. Even tried using it at Hotel Coimbra’s restaurant, no luck. Locals told me the card networks here are unstable and often don't link properly with international systems, especially for prepaid or digital cards. I had to rely on cash USD the entire time.