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A Guide to Using Foreign Credit and Debit Cards in Wallis and Futuna
Secure and easy to use, credit and debit cards are popular payment methods when travelling. The peace of mind of having that extra bit of overdraft, should you need it in an emergency, is a major drawcard for using credit cards overseas, while being able to use the same debit card you use at home is also super convenient.
There are, however, a few things you need to know about using foreign credit and debit cards in Wallis and Futuna; the main one is that card payments should not be your main source of payment!
Cash is king in Wallis and Futuna, as explained in What is the Best Way to Pay in Wallis and Futuna?
If you want to use your credit or debit card for at least part of your trip, however, we will go over what type of bank cards can be used, where you can use them, and outline the surcharges in this complete guide to using credit and debit cards in Wallis and Futuna.
This article is based on real on-the-ground research, not on AI scraping old content from the internet. Learn how we use AI!
Table of Contents
Frequently Asked Questions About Using Your Credit or Debit Card in Wallis and Futuna
Before we jump into the different payment methods in Wallis and Futuna, here are the answers to the internet's frequently asked questions about using credit and debit cards in Wallis and Futuna!
Can I use my credit card in Wallis and Futuna?
Yes, you can use your credit card in Wallis and Futuna, but acceptance is extremely limited. Some hotels and supermarkets accept CB, Visa and Mastercard, though American Express and Discover are rarely accepted. Most businesses, including tour and transport operators, operate on a cash-only basis.
For more information, check out our Wallis and Futuna Payment Methods Guide.
Are there ATMs in Wallis and Futuna?
Yes, there are a few ATMs in Wallis and Futuna, but they are very limited. You'll find ATMs primarily at the Service des Postes et Télécommunications (SPT) branches in Mata'Utu on Wallis and, when it's working, in Leava on Futuna. ATM availability can be unreliable, so it's essential to withdraw sufficient cash before or upon arrival, especially before travelling to Futuna, and not rely solely on ATMs for your entire stay.
Should I notify my bank before travelling to Wallis and Futuna?
Yes, you should definitely notify your bank before travelling to Wallis and Futuna. As a remote French territory in the Pacific, many banks' fraud detection systems will flag transactions from this region as highly suspicious. Contact your bank or credit card company well in advance to inform them of your travel dates and destination to avoid having your cards blocked.
Are there foreign transaction fees in Wallis and Futuna?
Yes, there are typically foreign transaction fees when using international cards in Wallis and Futuna. Since the territory uses the CFP franc and has limited banking infrastructure, most international card transactions will incur foreign exchange and transaction fees. Check with your bank about their specific fees for transactions in French Pacific territories.
Can I use contactless payments in Wallis and Futuna?
Not yet. The establishments that accept cards typically use older card readers that require chip-and-PIN or signatures. Mobile payments like Apple Pay or Google Pay are not accepted anywhere. Cash is the primary payment method throughout both islands.
What should I do if my card doesn't work in Wallis and Futuna?
If your card doesn't work, contact your bank immediately to ensure it hasn't been blocked for security reasons. Try the ATM at an SPT office during business hours, as staff may be able to assist. However, given the limited card infrastructure, always carry sufficient cash in CFP francs as your primary payment method. Note that you cannot exchange currency in Wallis and Futuna.
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Which Credit and Debit Cards are Accepted in Wallis and Futuna?
Certain types of credit and debit cards are accepted in Wallis and Futuna, including major brands, as long as they have a four-digit PIN.
Bank cards that are the most accepted in Wallis and Futuna include:
- MasterCard
- Visa
- CB
Some ATMs also accept:
- Plus
- Maestro
- Cirrus
- Carte Jade
- EC
However, there are some credit card brands that will not be accepted in Wallis and Futuna. Avoid using credit cards from the following brands:
- American Express
- Discover
- Diners
- JCB
- Union.
Where Can You Use Credit and Debit Cards in Wallis and Futuna?
Many supermarkets, restaurants and hotels in Wallis and Futuna accept credit and debit cards. However, there are still many instances in Wallis and Futuna where you will only be able to pay with cash.
Where You Can Use Cards to Pay in Wallis and Futuna
Most supermarkets, hotels, car rental companies and restaurants in Wallis and Futuna accept card payments.
Where You Can't Use Cards to Pay in Wallis and Futuna
Some places where credit and debit cards are not accepted include gas stations on Futuna, guesthouse accommodations, tour providers, taxi boat providers, a limited number of restaurants on Futuna, and craft markets. In short, it's always a good idea to have some cash available to pay for these occasions.
ATMs in Wallis and Futuna
There are only two (or more like one and a half) working ATMs in Wallis and Futuna.
On Wallis, there is an ATM at the Service des Postes et Télécommunications (SPT) headquarters in Mata'Utu. During our last visit, the ATM at the Banque de Wallis et Futuna (BWF) near SEM Supermarket was out of order and had been for some time.
On Futuna, there is an ATM at the SPT in Leava when it works "two days a month", a local joked to us. In short, don't rely on the ATM for cash withdrawals in Futuna and make sure to come to the island with enough cash for your entire stay.
See a full list of ATM locations in Information, Shops & Services on Wallis and Information, Shops & Services on Futuna.
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Credit Card Charges in Wallis and Futuna
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 Wallis and Futuna. 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 Wallis and Futuna.
Another credit card fee you may experience in Wallis and Futuna is a surcharge implemented by local businesses. Many businesses in Wallis and Futuna apply a foreign credit or debit card fee of 2-5% per cent on each transaction and/or require customers to spend a minimum of 2,000 XPF to use a credit/debit card.
Additionally, a withdrawal fee is applied when using an overseas bank card at an ATM in Wallis and Futuna. The fee can be anywhere between 500-1,000 XPF per withdrawal, so it's best to withdraw as much cash as you're comfortable carrying.
Because of the additional fees applied to foreign card transactions, we recommend using other payment methods to pay your way around Wallis and Futuna. Find out more in What is the Best Way to Pay in Wallis & Futuna?
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More About Using Debit and Credit Cards in Wallis and Futuna
That's it for our guide to credit and debit cards in Wallis and Futuna, but it is by no means the end of our advice! Check out the following guides for more advice on ways to pay:
- What is the Best Way to Pay in Wallis and Futuna?
- Wallis & Futuna Travel Budget: How Much Does a Trip to Wallis & Futuna Cost?
- 20 Tips to Save Money in Wallis and Futuna
Finally, get more essential tips for your trip to Wallis and Futuna using the 30 Tips for Travelling in Wallis and Futuna.
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