Should I exchange money before arriving or use ATMs in Seychelles?

**The best approach is to withdraw cash from ATMs in Seychelles rather than exchanging money abroad.** You'll get better exchange rates at local ATMs (typically within 1-2% of the official rate), and most international Visa and Mastercard debit cards work without issues at machines across Mahé, Praslin, and La Digue.

**Where to Find ATMs and Exchange Services:**

ATMs are widely available at **Seychelles International Airport** (in the arrivals hall), throughout **Victoria** (particularly along Independence Avenue and near the main post office), and at major shopping areas like **Eden Island** and **Au Cap**. On Praslin, you'll find ATMs at the jetty area in **Baie Sainte Anne** and in **Grand Anse**. La Digue has ATMs near **La Passe jetty** and at the island's main shops. Most machines dispense a maximum of **5,000-10,000 SCR per transaction**, so plan accordingly if you need larger amounts.

For currency exchange, banks like **Barclays**, **MCB** (Mauritius Commercial Bank), and **Nouvobanq** offer competitive rates with minimal commission. Exchange bureaus at the airport and in Victoria are convenient but charge 2-3% more than banks. **Avoid exchanging money at hotels**, where rates can be 5-8% worse than official rates.

**Credit Card Usage:**

Credit cards (Visa and Mastercard) are accepted at most hotels, larger restaurants, car rental companies, and tour operators, but **cash is essential for everyday expenses**. Local take-aways, small guesthouses, market vendors, bus fares (**SCR 7-10 per journey**), and many beach restaurants only accept cash. Even establishments that accept cards sometimes have connectivity issues or prefer cash to avoid fees.

**Pro Tips from Locals:**

Withdraw cash during your first stop in Mahé, as ATMs on smaller islands occasionally run out of cash on weekends or during peak season. Your bank at home will likely charge a foreign transaction fee (1.5-3%), so check if you have a travel-friendly card or online bank like Revolut or Wise that offers better rates. **Budget approximately 500-800 SCR per person per day for meals, snacks, and incidentals** if you're not on an all-inclusive plan.

Bring a small amount of EUR or USD (around 100-200) as emergency backup, which you can exchange if needed. Keep some small bills (**SCR 80 and SCR 50 notes**) for buses, market purchases, and tips. Most importantly, never rely solely on cards – the islands' laid-back infrastructure means cash remains king for authentic local experiences.