Not sure if I should carry coins for public transport in Eritrea or if card payments are common. Advice?
Bring enough USD or euros before you land in Asmara, exchange them officially in town, and use nakfa for all transport. Public buses, taxis, and minibuses don’t take cards at all. Keep small denominations ready. Forget about ATMs or international card use here.
I made the mistake of arriving in Asmara with no cash, thinking I could use ATMs. None of them work for foreigners. Had to wait until the next day to exchange euros at Himbol Exchange. Public transport is cheap but cash-only. Don’t even try to pay with cards - it’ll just stress you out.
I took the vintage Fiat buses in Asmara, and they cost just 1 nakfa - all cash. Stayed at Crystal Hotel, and the staff arranged a money exchange for me. Everything is cash-based, but it’s part of the charm. No cards worked, not even my Wise Visa. Best is to carry small nakfa notes for buses and shared taxis.
Eritrea is a cash-only country. Public buses in Asmara charge a few nakfa (usually 1-5 ERN), and you pay directly to the conductor. Cards don’t work in shops or ATMs because the banking system is disconnected internationally. Bring US dollars or euros in cash and exchange at official banks like Himbol or the Commercial Bank of Eritrea.