Can I use the Wise card in Eritrea in 2024?
If you’re planning a trip to Eritrea - or planning to move there to live, work or study - you’ve got an exciting time ahead. As the Eritrean Nakfa (ERN) is the official currency in Eritrea you’ll need to find convenient ways to spend in Eritrean Nakfas while you’re there.
Can I use the Wise card in Eritrea?
If you are a resident of Malaysia and have a Wise card - or if you’re thinking of getting one - you’re probably wondering: can I use my Wise card to pay for things in Eritrea?
Unfortunately, at the time of writing, the Wise card is not available for use in Eritrea. But don’t worry - we’ve got a great alternative to introduce - the BigPay card. Read on to learn more about the BigPay card, including how to use the card in Eritrea to help you plan your travel spending.
Can I get the Wise card in Eritrea?
Unfortunately, the Wise card is not yet available for residents of Eritrea. You may find that BigPay is a better option for residents; check whether BigPay is available below.
See alternatives to WiseWhat happens if I move to Eritrea?
You can continue using your Wise card until it expires, but you will not be issued a new card as Wise does not offer the card in Eritrea. You may be able to continue using other services, offered by Wise - we would recommend checking with their Customer Support team for more details.
An alternative to Wise in Eritrea: BigPay
Visa/Mastercard debit card
Mid-market exchange rate
40+ currencies- Spend in Eritrean Nakfas when visiting Eritrea ✅
- Not available to residents of Eritrea ❌
- Helpful budgeting features + auto-categorisation of spending 🔒
You can spend in hundreds of countries with a BigPay card - there are also helpful saving and budgeting tools to save for the next trip abroad.
Will my ATM card work in Eritrea?
While your ATM card will work in Eritrea it’s useful to know that cash will still be accepted by some shops and restaurants.
Cash is always useful to have, not just for paying the bill, but for tipping and gratuity as well.
Carrying a low cost ATM card when you’re in Eritrea is still a smart idea, so you can take out cash when you do find an ATM. You may also be able to use your card in larger hotels or restaurants, particularly in tourist areas.
However, keeping some cash on you at all times, as well as your card or cards is a smart plan, so you’re prepared no matter what happens.
How can I avoid ATM fees in Eritrea?
Don’t pay more than you need to when using an ATM. Here are some hints to avoid unexpected ATM fees in Eritrea:
Get a low cost ATM card which offers some free or cheap international withdrawals
Always pay in the local currency when you withdraw - this avoids additional charges and poor exchange rates offered by an ATM
Check if there’s a fixed cost per transaction for your ATM card. This might mean that making fewer, larger withdrawals is cheaper
Watch the ATM screen for warnings of extra fees the ATM operator may add - if there are going to be extra charges you may want to find an alternative terminal
Tips for saving on your travel budget for Eritrea
Make the most of your money so you can do more on your trip to Eritrea. Here are some travel budget tips:
Pay for your luggage when you book your flight - this is cheaper than at the airport
Don’t exchange currency at the airport or your hotel, as this is often the most expensive place
Always pay in the local currency
Keep a few different payment methods on you at any time, just in case you need a backup plan
Get a travel card which has good exchange rates and low or no cost ATM withdrawals overseas
What is the best currency to take to Eritrea?
The Eritrean Nakfa (ERN) is the official currency in Eritrea.
You can exchange your MYR before you leave Malaysia if you’d like - but bear in mind that you won’t be able to spend MYR in Eritrea. If you arrive with cash in your pocket you’ll need to exchange it locally, which may come with unexpected costs, and take time out of your trip unnecessarily.
A better plan for lots of people is to get a travel card for spending abroad, with low costs and secure transactions.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Wise card is not available for use in Eritrea. Instead, you might want to consider the BigPay card to get low cost currency conversion and cash withdrawals, and to keep your budget down overall.
Unfortunately, the Wise card is not yet available for residents of Eritrea, so if you're planning on relocating you may need to consider alternatives.
Using the Wise card when you’re spending overseas can mean you get a better exchange rate and lower overall costs. Explore your card’s features and fees carefully to make sure you can get the most of it when travelling abroad.
The delivery time for a travel card in Malaysia can vary a lot depending on the provider you pick. Get ready in advance so you’ve got your card in good time before your trip to Eritrea.
We retrieved Wise's and BigPay's card coverage from the following sources:
- Where can I use my Wise card? - Wise (checked 20/02/2024)
- Can I get the Wise card in my country? - Wise (checked 20/02/2024)
- Things you should know about using your BigPay card overseas. - BigPay (checked 12/08/2024)