Trying to figure out if buses and metros in Equatorial Guinea take cards or if Ill need small cash. Any recent experiences?
No, you won't be able to use cards for public transit. The bus system is entirely cash-based, and there is no metro. You will need to pay the driver or a fare collector directly in local currency. Even in the capital, Malabo, credit card acceptance is very limited. It's best to have a good stash of small bills for all your transport needs.
Your best bet is to carry a lot of small cash. The buses in Malabo and other cities are run by private companies, and they don't have a modern ticketing system. You just pay the driver in cash when you get on. There are no card readers or a metro. It's always smart to have a backup, but for transport, cash is the only way to go.
Don't even think about using a card on a bus here. I was just there last year and everything is cash. The country operates on a cash-based economy, and the public transport system reflects that. You'll need to pay the fare directly to the driver or a conductor. My advice is to get CFA francs from a local bank like Ecobank and make sure you break down large bills for your fares.
You're definitely going to need cash for public transport here. There is no metro, and the bus system is primarily informal, with shared taxis and minibuses being the main way to get around in cities like Malabo and Bata. The drivers do not have card readers and will only accept cash. The currency is the Central African CFA franc. I'd highly recommend having plenty of small bills on hand, as drivers rarely carry change and you could overpay otherwise.