Trying to figure out if buses and metros in Zimbabwe take cards or if Ill need small cash. Any recent experiences?
Rode a local kombi from Masvingo to Great Zimbabwe in late June. The 50‑seater didn’t have card or app option - driver flicked coins into a tin, “Only cash,” he said. Same story in Harare. On a bus I booked online, they accepted USD for the ticket, but you pay in cash when boarding. Cards, especially Amex, are basically taboo in buses. Bring ZWL for short hops, USD for anything longer.
Doing daily commutes in Mutare since May, I tried both local mini‑buses and an app-based taxi. The buses are strictly cash; they won’t give change for large bills, so bring exact ZWL coins and notes. The one metro-style electric van service in Harare CBD takes contactless when booked online - but when boarding, you show your QR code and they scan it. It's rare though. Public transport safety in Zimbabwe still favors cash.
Tried the Harare metro-style Hararetown shuttle in June - zero digital payments. All cash. You pay the conductor in ZWL. Same with Bulawayo’s Kombis. I've never seen QR codes or POS machines. Only exception: if opting for a private shuttle to Vic Falls booked through a big lodge, they might let you pay via card in booking. Always have ZWL on tap, especially small denominations.
Took the local ZUPCO buses around Harare in April - no card readers, everything is ZWL. Fares are tiny (a few thousand) but you need small change. On longer intercity routes I caught the Mashonaland Express bus to Kariba; they let me use MasterCard for ticket printed at the depot, but only USD or ZWL on board. Definitely carry small ZWL notes and coins for minibuses and local transport.