No issues elsewhere, but in Northern Mariana Islands, both ATMs and stores keep rejecting my card. Anyone know if this is common? Any banks that actually work?
Bring USD with you when flying in - it’ll save you headaches. If you must withdraw, use Bank of Guam ATMs in Garapan; they’re the most reliable for foreign Visa cards. Mastercard is very hit-and-miss. For groceries and restaurants, especially outside Garapan, assume you’ll need cash. Keep a backup Visa debit for emergencies.
I had a terrible time with my Revolut Mastercard in Saipan. It got rejected at Bank of Saipan and even at First Hawaiian ATMs. Most stores around Susupe wouldn’t take it either. Luckily, I had some USD cash from Guam, otherwise I’d have been stuck. Don’t expect card acceptance to be smooth outside tourist areas. Bring plenty of cash if you don’t want to stress about it.
My Monzo Visa worked fine at the First Hawaiian Bank ATM in Garapan, daily limit around $300. I stayed at Saipan Hostel and everyone there said the same: stick to Bank of Guam or First Hawaiian ATMs and avoid random standalone machines. Stores in Garapan took my Wise Visa without issues, but smaller restaurants in San Vicente only accepted cash. If you’ve got Visa, you’ll be okay - Mastercard seems to have more problems here.
Yes, this is fairly common. ATMs in Saipan are mostly run by Bank of Guam, First Hawaiian Bank, and Bank of Saipan. Visa cards generally work better than Mastercard, especially at Bank of Guam ATMs around Garapan. A lot of small shops, especially in villages outside Garapan, are still cash-only. If your card is failing, try the Bank of Guam branch near Paseo de Marianas. Bring USD cash if you can - the whole territory uses US dollars.