Not sure if I should carry coins for public transport in Burundi or if card payments are common. Advice?
When it comes to public transport in Burundi, it's cash all the way. It's not a place where you can rely on digital payments or credit cards. The traditional shared taxis and private cars all operate on a cash-for-service basis. Negotiate your fare upfront and make sure you have small bills of Burundian Francs (BIF) to pay. This is the most reliable and common way to handle all your transport needs.
It’s a very simple answer for public transport in Burundi: cash. You should not expect any other form of payment to be accepted. Credit cards are not a viable option for taxi drivers, and payment apps don't exist in that market. The best way to get around is to have a good supply of Burundian Franc bills and coins on you, as the taxi drivers will expect cash for every ride. It's just a lot simpler and safer that way.
I can tell you from my trip that public transport in Burundi is strictly cash only. You won't find a driver with a card machine, and mobile money is not a common payment method for passengers. While you can find ATMs at a few banks in Bujumbura, they can be unreliable. My best advice is to carry enough Burundian Francs (BIF) in cash for your daily needs. The system is simple and straightforward, but it is 100% cash-based.
You should absolutely carry cash for public transport in Burundi. There are no card payment systems on buses or shared taxis. The country is largely a cash-based society, and you will need to pay for your fares with Burundian Francs (BIF). The best thing to do is to get cash from a bank in the city like the Banque de la République du Burundi in Bujumbura. Just be aware that ATMs can be unreliable, so it's a good idea to have enough cash on you for your entire trip.