Can You Use Your Credit or Debit Card in Vanuatu?

Certain types of credit and debit cards are accepted in Vanuatu, including major international brands, as long as there is a four-digit PIN encoded.

Bank cards that are the most accepted in Vanuatu include:

• Visa
• MasterCard

Some ATMs and EFTPOS terminals also accept:

• Maestro
• Cirrus
• UnionPay

At some ATMs, like BSP ATMs, you may also be able to use:

• American Express

However, there are some instances where card requirements are more specific. For example, some car rental companies in Vanuatu only accept Visa and MasterCard cards, and will not accept EFTPOS/debit, prepaid or travel cards.

For car rental, your card may also need to be embossed, in the renter’s name and have a microchip embedded. In short, don’t assume that just any card will do the trick (cards can be fussy little things).

Many restaurants, major hotels, resorts, supermarkets, car rental companies, some retail stores, and phone network outlets in Port Vila and Luganville accept credit and debit cards. However, there are many instances in Vanuatu where you will only be able to pay with cash.

Where You Can’t Use Cards to Pay in Vanuatu

Some places where credit and debit cards are not accepted include markets, roadside stalls, buses, taxis, boat transfers, tour guides, the domestic departure tax when travelling by plane or boat between the islands, and natural attractions like blue holes, waterfalls and beach access. Many accommodations, such as local bungalows on the outer islands, also don’t accept card payments.

In short, it’s best to assume people only accept cash outside of the main tourism businesses (cash is king, queen and the whole royal court here).

ATMs in Vanuatu

ATMs are mostly found outside banks, larger supermarkets and Port Vila Airport around Port Vila on Efate, as well as in Luganville on Santo.

On Malekula, the only ATM on the entire island is located at Tautu Shopping Centre.

See ATM locations in our guide, Information, Shops & Services in Vanuatu LINK#TTD096, or the information, shops and services articles for each island.

Seasoned travellers will know that the bank issuing your credit or debit card often has a fee for a “foreign currency service” or something similar each time you make a transaction overseas. Check with your bank what the percentage is for using your credit card in Vanuatu. It’s usually a fee of 1-3% of the transaction in your home currency. This fee is also usually applied when using an ATM in Vanuatu.

Another credit card fee you may experience in Vanuatu is a surcharge implemented by local businesses. Many businesses charge surcharges for card payments, usually around 3.5-5% for credit or debit card transactions. This is commonly seen in places like restaurants and car rental companies, so it’s always worth checking before tapping away like there’s no tomorrow.

Additionally, a withdrawal fee is applied when using an overseas bank card at an ATM in Vanuatu. Local operator fees vary by bank, typically ranging from 490 to 800 VT. As a guide, BSP usually has the cheapest ATM withdrawal fee, while ANZ and BRED Bank are the most expensive.

Most Vanuatu ATMs have a maximum withdrawal limit of 25,000-50,000 VT per transaction, depending on the bank.

Because of the additional fees applied to foreign card transactions, we recommend using cash where practical and withdrawing as much as you’re comfortable carrying.

Find out more in What is the Best Way to Pay in Vanuatu?