The Foreign Office has updated its travel advice for UK holidaymakers visiting three British Overseas Territories where 'almost nowhere accepts cards' and there are 'no ATMs'. Officials stress that visitors must carry sufficient cash, as card payments are rarely an option.
Destinations Affected: St Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha
These remote South Atlantic territories – St Helena, Ascension Island and Tristan da Cunha – have limited banking infrastructure. While many travellers now rely on credit or debit cards abroad, these locations require physical cash for most transactions.
The Foreign Office specifically warns: 'Credit and debit cards are not widely used on St Helena, but there are a small number of places that accept them. British pounds in cash are accepted at most places, but you’ll get change in the local St Helena pounds currency.'
St Helena: No ATMs, Limited Card Acceptance
On St Helena, the Bank of St Helena offers foreign currency exchange and can advance cash on a credit or debit card. However, there are no ATMs on the island. A virtual prepaid tourist card is available for payments on St Helena and Ascension, working via contactless smartphones at locations using the St Helena Pay Service.
Ascension Island: Similar Restrictions
Credit and debit cards are not widely accepted on Ascension, though some places like the Chandlery and NAAFI shops do accept them. The Bank of St Helena provides banking services, including currency exchange and cash advances. Again, there are no ATMs. The local currency is the St Helena pound, but British pounds are accepted at most places. The US base accepts US dollars, British pounds and St Helena pounds in cash.
Tristan da Cunha: Limited Card Use
On Tristan da Cunha, credit and debit cards are accepted at only a handful of locations – the Post Office, Tourism Centre, Administrator’s Building and the Albatross bar. Most transactions are cash-based. A single bank may offer currency exchange, but availability is not guaranteed. British pounds, euros, US dollars and South African rand are accepted in cash. There are no ATMs on Tristan da Cunha.
According to the Foreign Office, travellers should plan ahead to ensure they have enough cash for their stay.
