ATMs in the South Pacific

[Cruisin Cat]

Hi all,

I have a question on ATM's in the south Pacific.
I'm preparing for a south Pacific crossing early next year....something like Galapagos, Marquesis, Tahiti, Cook Is, Samoa Fiji, NZ. My plan is to pull money as I need it from ATM's in each country along the way. Is that easy to do.

Appreciate any advice from people who have already made the passage?

[svBeBe]

No problem. That is exactly how we handled obtaining local currency across SP in 2008. Never once encountered any problems and the exchange rates were not rip offs. Our primary bank is Wells Fargo. The ATM cards worked everywhere. Be sure and check the expiration date on your cards before heading out. If you will need a new card, better to obtain it before reaching the South Pacific.

Also, notify your card issuer of where you will be traveling.

Judy

[GordMay]

Originally Posted by svBeBe

... notify your card issuer of where you will be traveling.

INDEED!

[Paul Elliott]

I've used my ATM in the Marquesas and Tahiti. I am told that the European, and I presume other international ATM systems may not accept a PIN code with more than four digits.

[Cruisin Cat]

Perfect!
Thanks for your comments

[Dave852]

Almost everywhere. If you make landfall at Fatu-Hiva first you will not find one but trade items are worth more than money there anyway. Look into a debit card that will reimburse all ATM fees such as citi if you hold a certain type of account with them.

[barnakiel]

ATM performance used to be pretty poor in FP. Our Visa refused to work in most ATMs. But it worked fine in shops and shop owners gave us cash from it, so no problem indeed.

b.

[Lexxy]

Trading info:
When we got to Fatu Hiva we had an extra used Walmart head light...cost $13 with a working batteries..2/AA I think...that was so popular we could not carry all the fruit and veggies the stand owner traded us for it and another guy rowed out to the boat pointing to his head wanting one. Please take a couple of those to trade along the way...you won't be sorry. The girls love hair clips for fun. The ladies wanted perfume but the wanted better quality than I was willing to part with. If you find some sealed on sale you may have a good bargaining chip.
Big POINT here...look for David the carver. He will sell tiki gods and other things, for far less at his shop than our friends paid in Tahiti....like half. And they are really collectable..he is very famous....one of the best. Has write ups in top magazines...we know that now. We paid about $250...they paid $1800 for a bit larger one, tho. Very rich, dark wood. My Capt knows what kind.

Also enjoy all the free limes and lots of mostly free pamplemousse there. We took the pulp of the pamplemousse and mixed it with gin for a health drink...yum!

I envy you the best part and wish I were young enough to go around again!!!

[Cruisin Cat]

Lexxy - thanks for the trading tips