Can I use a card to pay for taxis in Burkina Faso, or should I carry local cash?
If you stay at places like Laico Ouaga 2000 Hotel, you might find some taxis that say they accept card payments, but it’s not common and fees apply. Most prefer cash, and drivers often expect tips. It’s better to withdraw money from Ouagadougou’s Ecobank ATMs before travel and stick to cash. Smaller bills are best for smooth rides without hassle.
Honestly, Burkina Faso taxis are old school-cash is king. Even rides from the airport to the city in Ouagadougou meant dealing cash. Cards aren’t a thing here, so either exchange money beforehand or get local francs on arrival. Carrying cash is safer and quicker; I carried around XOF 20,000 (about $35) daily for taxi and daily expenses.
Tried using my Mastercard for a taxi ride in Bobo-Dioulasso once, but the driver didn’t accept cards. Most taxis in Burkina Faso, especially outside hotels, stick to cash payments only. If you plan to explore places like Place des Cinéastes or the Ouaga 2000 area, have enough local cash handy to avoid awkward moments.
In Ouagadougou, taxis mostly expect you to pay cash in West African CFA francs. Cards are rarely accepted except maybe at a few upscale hotels or airport taxis. I used cash almost exclusively to get around, even when staying near the city center and main markets. It’s worth carrying small denominations because drivers rarely have change for big bills.