Status of Mastercard Services at ATMs and POS terminals in Mozambique

As Mozambique undergoes a migration to a new ATM network and enhanced interbank interoperability, tourists are reporting service denial when trying to operate credit or pre-paid from the MasterCard Network. Explore the reasons and alternative payment options during this transition.

Background

Since 2020, under the guidance of the Central Bank, Mozambique had been undergoing a comprehensive transition to a new computerized system for interbank electronic payments. This initiative aims to enhance interoperability among various banks and involves the replacement of existing systems in ATMs, paving the way for a more advanced and integrated financial infrastructure.

What transpired?

The migration has been relatively smooth, but not without its share of hiccups. One notable challenge is the unexpected refusal of Mastercard transactions for many tourists upon arrival in Mozambique. This issue extends to both ATMs and POS terminals.

Available alternatives

While this situation is temporary, it’s advisable to be prepared with the following options:

• Bring cash: you can exchange your money for the local currency (metical) at many of the currency exchange offices located in major cities or at airports/border posts.
• Obtain a Visa card, which currently operates seamlessly.
• Consider acquiring a local telecommunications card and use your bank’s transfer system to send money to the mobile account (mainly M-pesa with international support). Mobile transactions are prevalent in Mozambique for various financial transactions.