Why do ATMs and shops in Madagascar just keep declining my wise card. It worked fine in other countries
My Wise card was basically useless in Madagascar. Tried multiple ATMs and shops in Toamasina and Antsirabe, but got declined every time. Locals said their payment systems aren’t fully compatible with fintech cards. I had to send money to a local through Western Union and get cash that way. Bring cash or a traditional bank card if you plan to visit.
I actually managed to withdraw cash at a BFV-SG ATM in Antananarivo, but only after setting my Wise balance to MGA and declining currency conversion. Used chip+PIN and it worked on the second try. Didn’t have luck with payments in shops though - mostly cash or local cards. Wise can work, but be prepared to rely on cash.
During my stay in Nosy Be, I couldn’t use my Wise Visa at any ATM or shop. Tried BMOI Bank ATMs and local shops near Hell-Ville, but all declined the card. The bank told me foreign prepaid cards aren’t widely accepted because of security reasons. I had to use USD cash mostly, which is accepted in tourist areas.
I was in Antananarivo last month and my Wise Mastercard was declined at ATMs like Bank of Africa and BFV-SG. Tried paying at restaurants in Analakely and markets in Isoraka, but the card kept getting rejected. Locals said many ATMs block prepaid or fintech cards due to outdated payment networks. I ended up relying on cash and a backup bank card.