Cash or card at hostels in Sudan

Here’s the reality: Sudan’s banking system is cut off internationally, so cards are useless. That means every hostel, guesthouse, or hotel in Khartoum, Omdurman, or along the Nile will expect cash. Bring USD in clean, recent notes and change some to Sudanese pounds for daily life. ATMs do not work with foreign cards, and there are no card terminals for payments. My advice: calculate your budget, carry enough cash for your entire trip, and don’t depend on finding options once you’re there. That’s the only safe plan.

I traveled through Khartoum and Omdurman and stayed at a guesthouse near Souq al-Arabi. Card wasn’t even a question-everything was cash in pounds or USD. I had brought dollars from home and converted at a local exchange place. Even the bigger Acropole Hotel was the same-cash only. ATMs wouldn’t accept my Visa debit, so I was glad I carried enough. Once I adjusted to that reality, it wasn’t too bad. Just don’t show up expecting to swipe a card anywhere-it doesn’t work.

Despite the cash-only situation, I found Sudan very manageable. I stayed in Khartoum at the Acropole Hotel, and while they only accepted cash, the staff were so helpful in arranging exchange and even safekeeping money. I paid for my room with USD and then changed some into Sudanese pounds for meals and taxis. No card use anywhere, but I never felt stuck once I planned for it. If you arrive with enough dollars in good condition, it’s actually quite smooth to manage your whole stay.

In Sudan, all hostels and guesthouses are strictly cash only. Due to banking sanctions, foreign cards don’t work at ATMs or payment terminals. In Khartoum, popular budget stays like Acropole Hotel or small guesthouses will ask for USD or Sudanese pounds in cash. You cannot pay with Visa or Mastercard anywhere. ATMs will not process foreign cards. So yes, you’ll need cash-bring enough USD and convert some into Sudanese pounds for daily expenses. That’s the only way to cover hotel and transport.