At the bottom of the world, the world’s southernmost ATM offers an ordinary convenience in one of the least ordinary places on Earth. Located at 77°51′ south, it’s the southernmost cash machine in the world—and the only ATM anywhere in Antarctica.
The ATM was installed to serve the staff working at McMurdo Station, Antarctica’s largest research base. It functions just like any ATM in the United States, dispensing U.S. dollars to people living and working thousands of miles from the nearest conventional bank. Cash can be used in the station’s store, and, before the station went dry, in the two bars.
There are actually two ATMs, but only one is functional at a time—the other is used for spare parts. Every two years, Wells Fargo sends a technician to Antarctica for maintenance and upgrades. Cash is recycled between the store and the ATMs, so no new money needs to be delivered to the station.
Even if you don’t bank with Wells Fargo, all user fees are waived. (It is your only option on the whole continent, after all!) However, your home bank may still charge some fees.
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Published
August 10, 2026
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