Payment Methods and Currency Exchange in Northern Mariana Islands

The Northern Mariana Islands use the United States Dollar (USD) as their official currency. Most businesses accept cash and major credit cards, with electronic payments increasingly common in urban areas.

• Official Currency: United States Dollar (USD)
• Payment Methods: Cash, Visa, MasterCard, and American Express are widely accepted. Some locations accept Discover and JCB cards.
• Contactless & Mobile Payments: Apple Pay and Google Pay are accepted at select retailers, but mobile wallet usage is not universal.
• ATM Availability: ATMs are available in major towns and at airports. International cards are generally accepted, but some machines may charge a fee (typically USD 2–5 per transaction).
• Currency Exchange: Currency exchange services are limited. Most travelers use ATMs or exchange currency at banks such as Bank of Guam or First Hawaiian Bank. Exchange offices are rare.
• Foreign Currency Restrictions: There are no specific restrictions on foreign currency, but large cash transactions (over USD 10,000) must be declared to U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
• Cash Import/Export Limits: Travelers may bring in or take out up to USD 10,000 (or equivalent) without declaration. Amounts above this must be declared on FinCEN Form 105.
• Transaction Fees: Foreign card transactions may incur surcharges or currency conversion fees, depending on the card issuer.
• Payment Issues: Some small businesses may only accept cash. It is advisable to carry small denominations.
• Major Banks: Bank of Guam, First Hawaiian Bank, Bank of Saipan.
• Regulations: U.S. federal financial regulations apply. Refer to the U.S. Department of the Treasury for updates.