ATM fees and limits in Venezuela?

In Venezuela, ATM access with foreign cards can be frustrating. Banks like Bancaribe and Mercantil have ATMs supporting Visa and Mastercard, but withdrawal limits and intermittent cash shortages are common. Fees can add up quickly due to local and international charges. My tip? Try to withdraw at your hotel or larger malls where machines are better stocked. Carry Venezuelan Bolívares in cash for markets and smaller shops. Apps like BigPay help reduce foreign transaction costs while traveling.

ATMs in Venezuela accept foreign debit/credit cards in big cities but watch out for fees. Banco Provincial and Banco de Venezuela have ATMs that support international cards, but charges can be steep. Using your bank’s card might cost around 3 to 5 USD in fees per withdrawal plus poor exchange rates. I recommend getting a prepaid travel card or using services like BigPay for cheaper rates. Remember to have cash as backup because many local vendors and public transport don’t take cards.

I used my Mastercard at Banesco ATMs in Caracas last year, and while the withdrawal worked fine, the fees were quite high-usually about 10 USD per transaction plus exchange rates that aren’t always favorable. ATMs can also run out of cash quickly, especially on weekends. If you’re heading to Venezuela, don’t rely on cards alone; cash in Venezuelan Bolívares is still essential for daily spending. Also, always opt to be charged in local currency to avoid dynamic currency conversion fees.

Using foreign cards at ATMs in Venezuela can be tricky. In major cities like Caracas, you’ll find some Banco Mercantil and Banesco ATMs that accept Visa and Mastercard, but expect fees around 5-10 USD per withdrawal on top of your bank’s charges. Also, ATMs often run low on cash and can be temperamental. My advice is to use a multi-currency card like Wise or BigPay if you have one, and always withdraw larger amounts less often to reduce fees. Keep some cash handy for places that don’t accept cards.