Can I use contactless or card to pay for public transport in Seychelles?

I stayed in Beau Vallon and took the bus daily into Victoria. Each ride cost 12 SCR, paid directly to the driver. They wanted exact change, so I often broke my 100 SCR notes at the STC supermarket beforehand. ATMs from MCB near Market Street in Victoria worked fine, but they only dispensed large bills. The buses were basic but reliable, running along the coast past Anse Royale. Cash was the only way to go.

My first morning I stood on the bus holding up my Mastercard like a dork - the driver just said “no, cash only.” It’s actually simple once you get used to it. SCR 7 no matter the distance, and the drivers are used to tourists, just not our fancy tech. I ended up keeping SCR 100 in coins and small bills just for buses and snacks. Definitely plan for cash if you’re relying on public transport.

Public transport here is pretty low-tech, which isn’t a bad thing - just different. Buses across Mahé are reliable and cheap, but all cash. No contactless systems, and no local transport app that supports payment. Even if you’re used to mobile wallets or cards back home, they won’t help here. I’d recommend withdrawing some local cash as soon as you land and keeping a stash of coins for daily rides.

Tried using my card at a few shops and cafés, but public transport? 100% cash. I took buses from Victoria to Anse Royale and they all worked the same - hand the driver coins or a small bill. No machines, no card readers. If you plan on using buses often, change some bills into smaller notes early on. Drivers don’t love giving change for SCR 100s, and it can get awkward.

You’ll definitely need cash for the buses. I stayed in Beau Vallon and rode the local SPTC buses every day - you pay the driver directly, SCR 7 per ride flat, and they don’t take cards or apps. No ticket machines or anything fancy. I always kept coins or small notes on me. It’s a super affordable way to get around, but don’t expect tap-to-pay or mobile tickets like in Europe.