The Foreign Office has revised travel guidance for UK holidaymakers heading to three British Overseas Territories in the South Atlantic, warning that credit and debit cards are not widely accepted and there are no ATMs. Visitors are advised to carry cash, specifically British pounds, which are accepted at most places on Saint Helena and Ascension, though change may be given in local currency.
Saint Helena: Limited Card Acceptance and No ATMs
On Saint Helena, credit and debit cards are accepted at only a small number of locations. The Foreign Office stated: "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." The Bank of St Helena offers foreign currency exchange and can advance cash on a credit or debit card, but there are no ATMs on the island. Additionally, the bank provides a virtual prepaid tourist card for card payments on Saint Helena and Ascension, which works through contactless payments on smartphones and is accepted at locations using the St Helena Pay Service.
Ascension: Similar Limitations
On Ascension, credit and debit cards are not widely accepted, though certain outlets, including the Chandlery and NAAFI shops, do take them. Officials noted that the Bank of St Helena provides banking services on the island, offering foreign currency exchange and cash advances on credit or debit cards, but there are no ATMs. The local currency is the St Helena pound, and British pounds are accepted at most places in cash. The US base on Ascension accepts US dollars, British pounds, and St Helena pounds in cash. Tourists can also use the Bank of St Helena tourist card.
Tristan da Cunha: Limited Card Acceptance
On Tristan da Cunha, credit and debit cards are accepted only at a limited number of locations, including the Post Office, Tourism Centre, Administrator's Building, and the Albatross bar. Most transactions on the island are conducted using cash. There is one bank where visitors may be able to exchange currency, though this cannot be guaranteed. British pounds, euros, US dollars, and South African rand are all accepted as cash. There are no ATMs on Tristan da Cunha.
According to the Foreign Office, travellers to these remote territories should plan accordingly and ensure they have sufficient cash for their stay. The updated advice highlights the importance of carrying British pounds, which are widely accepted, and being aware of the limited banking facilities available.
