Is it okay to use ATMs late in the evening in American Samoa or should I stick to daytime withdrawals only? I am a single woman travelling so want to be safe.
Stayed at Sadie’s by the Sea and used the ATM in the lobby twice at night. Safe, well-lit, and with front desk staff nearby. Honestly, American Samoa felt safer than some cities I’ve lived in. That said, don't rely on finding working ATMs late in remote areas. For peace of mind, I’d recommend withdrawing cash before evening and keeping enough for your outer-island trips.
Night withdrawals in American Samoa were fine for me. I used a Bank of Hawaii ATM near the main bus terminal just before 9 PM. No sketchy activity, but the machine felt like it was on island time - slow and gave out large bills only. If you're on a backpacker budget, keep small change when you can. Most shops don’t break big bills easily, and not everything is card-friendly.
Solo traveling around American Samoa was chill. I stayed in Fagatogo and tried withdrawing from an ANZ ATM at 8:30 PM - no issues, and there were a few people around. Felt safe, but I did notice the surrounding streets get very quiet quickly. I wouldn’t say it’s dangerous, just not very active after sunset. Withdraw earlier if you’re out in rural villages - machines are sparse.
I was working remotely from Pago Pago and needed cash after dinner - found an ATM inside the Laufou Shopping Center that was still open. While ATM safety at night in American Samoa isn’t a huge concern, most locals told me it's best to handle cash during the day because some machines shut early or run out. For digital nomads, banking hours are limited, and not all cards work, so plan accordingly.