ATM Fees in Timor-Leste
US Dollar (USD) • Updated April 2026
East Timor (Timor-Leste) uses the US Dollar as its official currency. Cash is essential as card acceptance is very limited. ATMs are available mainly in Dili.
Tips for Timor-Leste
- • US Dollar is the official currency
- • Bring sufficient USD cash
- • ATMs limited to Dili mainly
- • Card acceptance very limited
- • Small denominations essential for rural areas
Airport tips
- • Presidente Nicolau Lobato Airport has limited services
- • ATM available at airport
- • Bring USD cash as backup
Don't forget your home bank fees
The fees shown above are charged by local ATMs. Your home bank may also charge additional fees for international withdrawals (typically 1-3% + a flat fee). Check with your bank before traveling.
Estimated daily expenses
How much cash you might need per day in Timor-Leste, per person.
Backpacker
Hostels, street food, public transport
USD/day
≈ $40.00-90.00 USD
Mid-range
Hotels, restaurants, mix of transport
USD/day
≈ $125-245 USD
Luxury
Premium hotels, fine dining, private transport
USD/day
≈ $275-540 USD
Cash vs card acceptance
Where you'll need cash and where cards work in Timor-Leste.
Credit card acceptance
Very LowCash (USD) essential. Very limited card acceptance even in Dili.
You'll need cash for
- • Almost everything
- • Transport
- • Restaurants
- • Markets
- • Most hotels
Cards usually accepted
- • Some international hotels in Dili
- • Very select restaurants
💰 Cheapest banks for foreign cards
These banks charge the lowest fees for withdrawals with foreign cards.
| Bank | ATM Fee | Est. Cost | Branches | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BNU (Banco Nacional Ultramarino) | $5-7 | 0% | Interbank rate | ~5.00 USD | 8 | Primary bank option |
| Bank Mandiri | $5-7 | 0% | Interbank rate | ~5.00 USD | 5 | Indonesian bank with presence |
📍 Most widely available ATMs
Sorted by number of ATM locations. More branches means easier access, but fees may be higher.
| Bank | ATM Fee | Est. Cost | Branches | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BNU | $5-7 | 0% | Interbank rate | ~5.00 USD | 8 | Best local coverage |
| Bank Mandiri | $5-7 | 0% | Interbank rate | ~5.00 USD | 5 | Dili area |