Wondering how to pay for metro and bus rides in Malawi - cash only, or do cards work too?
I took buses around Blantyre recently, and paying with cash was the norm. Fares are low, just a few hundred kwacha, paid directly to the conductor or driver. I used an NBS ATM to get cash, but I also tried using a prepaid Mastercard at a ticket machine at the Lilongwe metro station, and it worked fine. Still, if you want a smooth day, cash is your best bet.
Malawi’s public transport is slowly adopting cards but still mostly cash-based for bus fares. Many traditional minibuses and local routes don’t have card readers. ATMs work well in cities, and travel cards like Wise or Post Office prepaid cards help reduce fees. For now, a combo of cash and card is best to avoid any payment troubles while hopping buses or metros.
When traveling in Malawi, carry some kwacha notes with you because local buses and minibuses rarely accept card payments. It’s a good idea to get a Wise travel card or similar prepaid card before the trip to withdraw cash easily at ATMs in Lilongwe or Blantyre. Some new metro ticket vending machines accept cards, but it’s hit or miss, so don’t rely solely on plastic for transport fares.
In Malawi, metro services are limited mainly to Lilongwe, but most city and intercity buses require cash payment in Malawian kwacha. Many buses don’t accept cards, so it’s best to be prepared with local currency for fares. You can withdraw cash at ATMs from banks like NBS Bank and Standard Bank in major cities. Some larger hotels and metro stations may offer card-based reloadable passes, but cash is still the primary payment mode.