Can I use a card to pay for taxis in Zimbabwe, or should I carry local cash?
Got into three taxis in Mutare last month. Every single one asked for cash - no card readers, no payment apps, nothing. I had to ask a local to help me find a working ATM. Big lesson: Zimbabwe taxi system runs entirely on physical currency. Don’t bother flashing your card; just keep ZWL ready.
I visited Victoria Falls in May and stayed at a lodge that arranged taxis for us. I assumed my Mastercard would work but was politely told, “Cash only, sir.” Luckily, I had $100 in USD from Joburg. Even the driver who picked us up from the airport wouldn’t accept card. If you’re someone who likes to plan ahead like I do, bring ZWL or USD cash - taxis here are very old-school.
I've been working remotely from Bulawayo since March 2025. While some upscale hotels accept cards, local taxis definitely don’t. A few drivers said they “have EcoCash,” but that only works if you’ve got a local SIM and wallet. I ended up converting USD to ZWL at a Stanbic branch and using cash for everything transport-related. Even airport transfers prefer bills. Zimbabwe’s not card-friendly for taxis - bring small denominations.
Used a Visa debit card in Harare this April and had zero success with taxis. No meters, no card readers, and no one wanted to deal with bank apps. Every driver I met demanded ZWL or USD - no exceptions. Eventually I started pulling cash from FBC ATMs at Avondale. If you’re moving around by kombi or private hire, you must carry cash. Don’t count on card payments at all outside upscale hotels.