No issues elsewhere, but in Timor-Leste, both ATMs and stores keep rejecting my card. Anyone know if this is common? Any banks that actually work?
The short answer is to use cash. Credit card usage is very limited and unreliable in Timor-Leste. Even if a place has a card machine, it might not work. I recommend bringing a good amount of US dollars in cash with you for your entire trip. You'll be able to use it everywhere, and you won't have to worry about a card being rejected. It's the simplest way to travel around the country.
Don't worry, it's not you, it's the system. The country's economy is largely cash-based. You will have a lot of trouble using a card for anything other than a few major hotels or restaurants in Dili. The best thing to do is to have a good supply of US dollars in cash on hand. You'll need it for taxis, markets, and most small businesses. It's a bit of a pain, but it's the only reliable way to pay for things.
I've had the same thing happen. It's a combination of older card terminals, a sometimes unreliable network, and the banks' own systems. My advice is to try ATMs at different banks. For example, some banks only accept Visa, while others might accept Mastercard or UnionPay. If you're in Dili, try the ATMs at ANZ or BNU. But honestly, the safest bet is to just use cash. You'll get much better luck with everything.
That's frustrating, but it's a known issue. The banking infrastructure is still developing, so while some businesses and ATMs in Dili might take international cards, it's not a guarantee. The best solution is to use cash. The official currency is the US dollar, so you won't need to exchange your money if you're coming from the US. For others, it’s best to use a bank ATM, like the ones at Bank Mandiri or Banco Nacional de Comércio de Timor-Leste (BNCTL), but be prepared for them to be out of service or to not accept your card.