Meet the Loneliest ATM Machine on the Planet

Although it wouldn't seem like it...Antarctica is a place where money does matter. Despite the God awful temperatures, the risk of being eaten by 2000 pound elephant seals and months on end of seemingly endless darkness, life goes on in the most remote part of the world. And that includes commerce believe it or not.

And that's where Wells Fargo comes in. McMurdo Station, the largest science hub on the continent, has what can only be described as the loneliest ATM on planet Earth. For security reasons Wells Fargo can't disclose exactly how much money the machine has on hand but it does maintain the machine once every 2 years. Yeah, every 2 years! And the person who they send out to maintain and update the machine with the latest technology has to first pass a psychological exam and physical to make sure they can make it in harsh conditions should they have to stay awhile....talk about hazard pay.

While McMurdo is near New Zealand territory, the ATM only dispenses American currency. (Staffers can exchange money at Scott Base, which is about two miles away.) Depending on the season, McMurdo’s population ranges from 250 to more than 1000. And like any small community, commerce is crucial. In order to patronize the coffee shops, general stores, bars, or post office, money is exchanged in what amounts to a closed economy. Some places only accept cash though so the ATM is necessary.

Wonder what the ATM fees are way out there if you're NOT a Wells Fargo customer.....ouch!