Seychelles, an archipelago of breathtaking white-sand beaches, turquoise waters, and lush tropical landscapes, is a dream destination for travelers. Whether you’re exploring the vibrant markets of Victoria, snorkeling in crystal-clear waters, or hiking through Morne Seychellois National Park, knowing how to access cash is essential. While major hotels, resorts, and businesses accept cards, cash is still widely used, especially in small shops, local markets, and for transportation. This guide provides key details on cash and ATMs in Seychelles, including withdrawal fees, transaction limits, exchange rates, and card acceptance, ensuring a hassle-free island getaway.
Where to find ATMs in Seychelles?
Urban Areas: In Victoria, the capital city, ATMs are widely available, especially near bank branches, shopping centers, and commercial districts. Banks such as Absa Bank Seychelles have introduced touch-free, app-driven ATMs to enhance customer convenience and safety.
Tourist Spots: Popular destinations like Beau Vallon, Praslin, and La Digue have ATMs in their vicinity, often within or near tourist facilities. ATMs are commonly found in shops, transportation hubs, and nearly all banks.
Rural Areas: In smaller towns and remote regions, ATM availability can be limited. It’s advisable to carry sufficient cash when traveling outside major cities.
Best ATMs to use in Seychelles for foreigners
The best ATMs for foreigners to use in Seychelles are those owned by popular banks such as:
- MCB Seychelles and
- Nuovobanq.
There are other banks with ATMs that also accept international debit and credit cards.
There are no known Global ATM Alliance member banks or All Points network banks in Seychelles.
Don’t accept conversion at ATMs and withdraw only in local currency
In Seychelles, some ATMs may ask – Accept OR Decline Conversion (also known as With or Without Conversion, or, Charge in SCR).
- If you ‘Accept’ – ATM converts your money at ATM’s set exchange rate. Now if you ‘Accept’, you pay an extra % fee to the ATM for currency conversion also.
- If you Decline, the ATM will convert at exchange rate of the bank/card logo (Visa, Master, etc.).
So, to avoid extra fees, select ‘Decline/Without’ Conversion or ‘Charge in SCR’.
Can I use a foreign debit or credit card at an ATM in Seychelles?
Yes, many foreign debit and credit cards are widely accepted at ATMs in Seychelles. ATMs commonly accept Visa, Mastercard, Maestro, Plus, Cirrus cards. Some ATMs accept only Visa cards.Some of them accept UnionPay cards. Others like American Express, Diners, Discover and Rupay cards are generally not accepted.
What are the ATM opening hours
Most ATMs operate 24/7.
What are ATMs called
ATMs in Seychelles are usually found by a signage of word ‘ATM’ is widely used or signage has bank name without the words ‘ATM’.
Language options at ATMs
ATMs in Seychelles typically offer English, French, and Mandarin as language options. If you’re not familiar with these languages, using live translation via Google Translate’s camera function can be helpful; however, proceed cautiously, as translations may not be perfect.
What currencies can I withdraw from ATMs in Seychelles?
ATMs in Seychelles dispense cash only in the local currency, Seychellos Rupee (SCR).
ATM withdrawal limits in Seychelles
ATMs in Seychelles have a maximum withdrawal limit per transaction of SCR 10,000 to SCR 20,000. Majority of the ATMs also have daily withdrawal limits of the same amounts.
ATM Fees in Seychelles
There are some fee-free ATMs in Seychelles. Majority of the Bank ATMs in Seychelles do not charge any ATM Access Fees per transaction to foreign card holders. There is one bank that charges SCR 100 per transaction (Seychellos Rupees). So there are some fee-free options of ATMs you can use in Seychelles as a foreign cardholder!
Apart from ATM Access Fees, there can be other potential charges to withdraw cash in Seychelles. These are:
1. Currency Conversion Fees (Accept or Decline Conversion)
2. Your Bank’s currency conversion fee – Some banks charge the card holder a fee to use the card abroad. Cross check with your bank on what the charges are.
How to avoid high fees when withdrawing cash in Seychelles
Use the lower fee ATMs in the country.
Use the ATM Fee Saver app to find fee-free or low-fee ATMs.
Opt for “Decline Conversion” or “Without Conversion” during ATM transactions.
Consider getting fee-free cards from your home country.
Avoid using ATMs at the airports, sometimes they have higher fees.
Ways to find fee-free ATMs in Seychelles?
Discover fee-free and low-fee ATMs on the ATM Fee Saver mobile app for iOS and Android. This app provides ATM PINs and details of leading bank ATMs such as ATM fees and withdrawal limits for foreign cardholders at ATMs in Seychelles. Moreover, its simple fee calculator helps you determine exact withdrawal charges. You can also find cash tips and tricks on the app for 100+ countries including Seychelles.
Safety at ATMs
Seychelles is known for its low crime rate, making it a relatively safe destination for travelers. ATMs are widely available, especially in urban areas and tourist hotspots. While serious crimes are uncommon, petty crimes can occur. To ensure safe ATM usage:
- Use Secure ATMs: Opt for machines located in well-lit, populated areas or within bank premises.
- Be Aware of Your Surroundings: Stay alert and avoid using ATMs in isolated locations, particularly after dark.
- Inspect the ATM: Before use, check for any unusual devices attached to the machine that could indicate skimming attempts.
- Protect Your PIN: Cover the keypad when entering your PIN to prevent any potential onlookers or hidden cameras from capturing your input.
- Stay Informed: Keep abreast of any local advisories regarding ATM fraud or related crimes.
- Regularly monitoring your bank statements can help detect any unauthorized transactions promptly.
FAQs
What to do if an ATM takes your card?
If an ATM in Seychelles takes your card, contact the bank (if you used an ATM inside a bank branch), they may retreive your card if you have proof of identity. You can also contact the bank’s helpline but they usually retreive and resend new cards only for their own customers. If so, you’ll need to contact your own bank and ask them to deliver a new card at home or abroad.
Fee-free ATMs and possible to withdraw cash free of cost at ATMs in Seychelles?
Yes, its possible. There are some fee-free ATMs in Seychelles. Majority of the Bank ATMs in Seychelles do not charge any ATM Access Fees per transaction to foreign card holders. There is one bank that charges SCR 100 per transaction (Seychellos Rupees). So there are some fee-free options of ATMs you can use in Seychelles as a foreign cardholder!
Foreign cards from US, UK, India, China, Europe, Australia accepted?
Absolutely yes! You can usually use cards from the US, UK, Europe, Australia, and other countries at ATMs in Seychelles.
Bitcoin ATMs
As of now, there are no known Bitcoin ATMs operating in Seychelles.
Foreign bank ATMs’ presence in Seychelles
Bank of America: No, there are no Bank of America ATMs here.
Citibank: No Citibank ATMs.
Barclays: No Barclays ATMs, they were bought over by Absa Bank. You may still see some old branded Barclays ATMs.
HSBC: There are no HSBC ATMs here.
Standard Chartered: No Standard Chartered ATMs here.
