What other financial services (ATMs, banks) are readily available?
There is an ever increasing number of ATMs in Sana’a that accept Western cards; before you travel, however, it may be best to check with your financial institution to ensure that they will not block your card’s usage in Yemen. Note that you may encounter great difficulty using traveler’s checks. To open an account at any bank in Yemen, you must have a residency visa. Opening an account at a Yemeni bank may be quite convenient for those studying for a longer period of time, as most Yemeni banks now provide you with a debit card that can be used at dozens of ATMs throughout Sana’a and the country. Note that most banks also require a $500-$1500 initial deposit to open an account.