Cash-only Tuvalu installs ATMs

Tuvalu has launched its first-ever ATMs, marking a major leap into electronic banking for the remote Pacific island nation.

At a ceremony in the village of Vaiaku on Funafuti, the National Bank of Tuvalu unveiled the machines, which are expected to transform how residents access their finances.

The event was attended by Prime Minister Feleti Teo, senior government officials, and community leaders, all celebrating a shift from Tuvalu’s long-standing reliance on cash.

Until now, Tuvalu’s 12,000 residents have conducted all banking in person, often queuing at the bank to collect wages or withdraw funds before closing time at 2pm.

With the introduction of five ATMs and 30 point-of-sale terminals, daily transactions will become more efficient, easing congestion and improving access to banking services, especially for those living on outer islands.

The bank partnered with Pacific Technologies Limited in Fiji to roll out the A$3m project, which initially supports only prepaid cards.

Plans are already under way to issue Tuvaluan debit cards and eventually offer Visa card capabilities for online and overseas use.

For now, the services are free while users adapt to the new system, as the country embraces a future of greater financial inclusion and digital access.

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