Want to avoid last-minute ATM runs. Do most hostels in Malawi take card payments at check-in
Thinking ahead for Malawi: bring both. Hostels in main cities will generally accept Visa/Mastercard-just expect a possible small surcharge. But in townships, lakeside lodges, or eco-hostels, it’s kwacha or nothing. My advice: withdraw enough at a good ATM (like NBS or Standard Bank) early on, keep kwacha for local spots, and use your card only if needed-especially for emergencies.
When I got to Cape Maclear and tried to pay with my card at Thumbi View Lodge, they said ‘cash only’. So I grabbed some kwacha from an ATM in Monkey Bay, came back, and paid for dinner and the dorm. After that, I used kwacha everywhere-boating tours, food, even route taxis. Card was handy for that first withdrawal, but cash ruled once I was lakeside.
I booked at Kumbali Backpackers and happily paid with Mastercard at check-in-smooth and no fuss. Later in Zomba at Blend Lodge, they did cash-only, but they walked me to a nearby NBS Bank ATM that accepted Visa. This combination of card plus kwacha worked perfectly for tours, meals, and hostel stays.
In Lilongwe or Blantyre, hostels like Kumbali Backpackers or Rock of Cashel Guesthouse often accept card payments-especially Visa or Mastercard-though they may load a small surcharge. But in rural lodges or Cape Maclear’s Thumbi View Lodge, cash (Malawian kwacha) is the standard for dorms and meals. Best to bring some kwacha, plus a card for backup or emergencies.