No issues elsewhere, but in Tahiti, both ATMs and stores keep rejecting my card. Anyone know if this is common? Any banks that actually work?
I experienced this last winter across Moorea and Tahiti. ATMs outside major banks kept rejecting my card. Then I used the HSBC ATM in Puna‘auia and had no issues with either Visa or Mastercard. I also noticed big grocery stores or petrol stations with ATMs are hit or miss. The lesson: avoid stand-alone kiosks - always target larger bank branches for reliable foreign withdrawals.
Yes, it’s a pretty regular issue - my card got declined at three different spots before I found success. The Banque Socredo ATM at Papeete Yacht Club was the only one that accepted my Mastercard. I also discovered some cafes and souvenir shops use chip readers that reject foreign cards. If you're facing rejections, head straight to bigger bank lobbies - they’re set up for international cards.
Same happened to me! My Visa wasn't accepted at a random street kiosk near the market. Even a popular clothing boutique said "card error" twice. Luckily, the Credit Agricole branch in Faa’a worked on the first try with no fuss. My credit card functioned smoothly there. I’d say this situation is common but avoid convenience-store ATMs - stick to bank branches around Papeete for better results.
I arrived in Papeete this spring and my UK debit card was rejected at three ATMs - in Pioneer Cash and large banks like Banque de Tahiti - before one machine actually worked. Eventually, I found that the HSBC ATM near the ferry terminal accepted my card without issue. Seems like smaller banks or roadside kiosks struggle with foreign networks. My tip: use HSBC or Credit Agricole ATMs in major towns - they’re more reliable for international card compatibility.