ATM Fees in Eritrea
Eritrean Nakfa (ERN) • Updated April 2026
Eritrea uses the Nakfa. The country has very limited banking infrastructure. Foreign cards rarely work. Cash (USD or EUR) is essential. Strict currency controls apply.
Tips for Eritrea
- • Bring USD or EUR cash to exchange
- • Foreign cards DO NOT work at most ATMs
- • Official and black market rates differ significantly
- • Exchange only at official sources
- • Very limited tourism infrastructure
Airport tips
- • Asmara International Airport has minimal services
- • Bring all cash needed for your trip
- • Visa required - arrange in advance
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 Eritrea, per person.
Backpacker
Hostels, street food, public transport
ERN/day
≈ $66.67-143 USD
Mid-range
Hotels, restaurants, mix of transport
ERN/day
≈ $187-387 USD
Luxury
Premium hotels, fine dining, private transport
ERN/day
≈ $473-847 USD
Cash vs card acceptance
Where you'll need cash and where cards work in Eritrea.
Credit card acceptance
Almost NoneCash only. Foreign cards do not work. Bring sufficient USD/EUR to exchange.
You'll need cash for
- • Everything - cards don't work
Cards usually accepted
- • Virtually nowhere accepts foreign cards
💰 Cheapest banks for foreign cards
These banks charge the lowest fees for withdrawals with foreign cards.
| Bank | ATM Fee | Est. Cost | Branches | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Commercial Bank of Eritrea | N/A - Foreign cards don't work | N/A | N/A | N/A | 25 | State bank - foreign cards not accepted |
| Housing and Commerce Bank | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | 15 | Foreign cards not accepted |
📍 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 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Commercial Bank of Eritrea | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | 25 | Bring cash |
| Housing and Commerce Bank | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | 15 | Bring cash |