Is it safe to withdraw cash in Micronesia or not?
Micronesia has a relaxed, small-town vibe, but ATMs are few and far between - especially functional ones. When I tried a withdrawal at night, it took two tries to find a working machine. Bring cash in advance, especially if visiting smaller islands.
I used an ATM outside a grocery store in Kolonia during the evening. It worked fine with my Visa card, but the town was very quiet by then. While it didn’t feel unsafe, I wouldn’t wander around late looking for ATMs.
On Yap, I learned the hard way to carry enough cash. I tried withdrawing after 8 PM but couldn’t find a single accessible ATM. Locals were helpful, but everyone emphasized doing errands early. Best to plan withdrawals in the morning when banks are open.
I visited Pohnpei and needed to withdraw cash after a late dinner. The only ATM I found working was inside a Bank of Guam branch, and it was locked after hours. ATM safety at night in Micronesia isn’t a major concern - the issue is mostly availability. Many ATMs simply shut down or are in closed buildings.