Why do ATMs and shops in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines just keep declining my wise card. It worked fine in other countries
My Wise card was totally useless throughout my stay in the Grenadines. Tried it in Union Island, at the only ATM in Clifton-didn’t work. Also failed at every shop I visited. Locals told me the card terminals there often can’t process non-local or fintech cards due to network limitations. I had to borrow from a friend and paid her back later through Wise once I left. Bring plenty of cash or a backup card from a mainstream bank.
I managed to get cash out from the Republic Bank ATM in Kingstown, near Heritage Square. I used chip+PIN and declined the conversion when prompted, with the card set to USD in the Wise app. Didn’t work at local stores, though-even places like Sunset Shores hotel preferred traditional bank cards. So, it’s not a total no, but I wouldn’t depend on Wise for all payments here.
Same thing happened to me in Bequia-Wise Mastercard was declined at the RBTT ATM and again at a hotel in Port Elizabeth. Even small shops and beach bars didn’t recognize the card. It had worked fine in Barbados the week before, so I wasn’t expecting issues. A local shop owner explained the island's networks often don’t support newer digital-only banks. I used cash the entire time after that.
Was in Kingstown last month and couldn’t use my Wise Visa anywhere. Tried Bank of St Vincent and the Grenadines and Republic Bank ATMs-both declined it with no explanation. Also couldn’t pay at restaurants near the cruise terminal or at Massy Stores in Arnos Vale. Locals said foreign prepaid cards usually don’t go through unless it’s a U.S. credit card. Had to use USD I brought with me for most of the trip.