Looking for reliable ATMs in Tuvalu that work well with foreign debit/credit cards and dont charge crazy fees. Any recos will be highly appreciated.
Tuvalu’s only just moved into the ATM age with five machines on the main island. But don’t expect to use your Visa or Mastercard yet because the ATMs currently only accept prepaid cards locally issued. Banking in Tuvalu has been totally analog until now, so cash is king for the foreseeable future. The initial rollout is fee-free and aimed at making life easier for residents, with plans to introduce broader card acceptance down the line. Visitors should definitely bring enough Australian dollars with them.
Tuvalu’s new ATMs are a historic step but still very limited with foreign card use. The machines, mainly around Funafuti, currently accept only prepaid local cards and no direct foreign card withdrawals. So visitors really depend on cash brought from outside. There’s no crazy fee for these ATMs at present, but your home bank might still charge for currency exchange or international transactions. I’d recommend checking with your bank for travel cash options before heading there.
I recently read that Tuvalu launched its first ATMs this year-it’s huge because until now everything was cash-only. Sadly, the ATMs only work with prepaid cards issued locally, so foreign cards from banks overseas probably won’t work yet. If you’re planning a trip, pack plenty of cash (they use Australian dollars), especially since shops and hotels don’t take cards much. Keep an eye out, though, as the local bank plans to introduce Visa debit cards soon. For now, it’s a cash traveler’s paradise.
Tuvalu just got its very first ATMs in 2025, which is amazing news for travelers! There are five machines mostly on Funafuti island, including one at the airport. However, right now, these ATMs only accept prepaid cards issued locally; international debit or credit cards like Visa or Mastercard aren’t supported yet. So if you're visiting, be sure to bring enough Australian Dollars in cash, as the country still mostly runs on cash payments. The good news is these services are free for now, but fees could come later.