On a budget and looking for free ATMs in Mozambique - Any top banks?
On my Mozambique trip, I mostly used Millennium BIM ATMs. My Wise Mastercard worked fine, with a 10,000 MZN withdrawal cap and about 150 MZN fee. Standard Bank was also reliable, though their machines often had queues. I withdrew enough to last a few days for food, taxis, and market purchases. Cash was essential in rural areas, as card acceptance was almost non-existent. Mozambique’s ATMs worked well in cities, but planning ahead was key to avoiding multiple small withdrawals and higher fees.
ATM access in Mozambique can be a hassle. My HSBC debit card was rejected twice at BCI ATMs in Inhambane. When it finally worked, the limit was just 5,000 MZN, and I paid a 200 MZN fee. Machines also often ran out of cash, especially on weekends. Security was another concern - I avoided street ATMs and used those in malls or bank branches only. My advice: withdraw larger amounts in Maputo and carry USD as backup since it’s widely accepted.
I had a smooth time withdrawing in Mozambique. Millennium BIM ATMs in Maputo accepted my Revolut Visa with no issues, and I withdrew 10,000 MZN in one transaction. Standard Bank also worked fine with my Monzo Mastercard, with the same 10,000 MZN limit and about 150 MZN fee. I only needed cash for local restaurants, taxis, and smaller shops since hotels accepted cards. Overall, I found Mozambique ATMs reliable as long as I stuck to Millennium or Standard Bank branches in the city.
In Mozambique, the most reliable ATMs for foreign cards are Millennium BIM, Standard Bank, and BCI. I used my Wise Visa at Millennium BIM in Maputo and withdrew 10,000 MZN (~$155 USD) with a fee of 150 MZN. Standard Bank had the same limit with my Revolut Mastercard. BCI ATMs worked with my Monzo card but sometimes limited withdrawals to 5,000 MZN. ATMs are common in Maputo and Beira but scarce in rural areas, so withdraw before traveling outside cities.