Banking services on St Helena and Ascension Islands are provided by Bank of St Helena Ltd. The following information will be of use to visitors to the islands.
The currency in St Helena and Ascension is the Saint Helena Pound (SHP) which is equivalent to the British Pound (GBP). The notes and coins are similar to their British equivalents. GBP currency is accepted on both islands.
Bank of St Helena is able to exchange foreign currency for SHP. A limited supply of foreign currency is also available for exchange, these currencies include South African Rand (ZAR), EURO and US Dollar (USD).
Customers should note that Bank of St Helena Ltd, intermittently, has available a supply of UK Sterling (GBP) and South African Rand (ZAR) for which a 2% exchange commission is charged.
The Rates of Exchange used by Bank of St Helena are advertised on our Foreign Exchange Rates page, they are set for a period of one week and are effective every Monday.
5% charge on the value of the amount withdrawn, minimum charge £2.50
To conduct Cash Advance Service transactions you should be aware that:
Whist Bank of St Helena is unable to issue Travellers Cheques, the Bank offers customers a GBP Travellers Cheque encashment service at a charge of 2% on the value of the cheques cashed (minimum charge £1.00).
Local currency, ie. SHP notes and coins, are only accepted on St Helena and Ascension. It is therefore advisable to change back any surplus local currency before leaving the islands.
Credit and Debit Cards are not widely accepted for payment on St Helena or Ascension, although they can be used to obtain cash at the Bank of St Helena branches. It is therefore advisable to have a supply of local cash.
Main Branch (+290) 22390
(St Helena)
*Ascension flights take place during the second Sunday of the month, with additional Sunday flights during and after the festive season.
(St Helena)
(+247) 66449
*The Ascension Branch opens every alternate Saturday only. Where the branch is open on a Saturday, Thursday opening times are revised to 08:45 – 12:00