Want to avoid last-minute ATM runs. Do most hostels in Mauritius take card payments at check-in
Mauritius hostels are mixed but mostly card-friendly. In Port Louis, no issue paying with Mastercard at check-in. In Trou aux Biches, my hostel also swiped my card fine. The only cash-only place I encountered was in Chamarel. ATMs are plentiful, so withdrawing isn’t stressful, but if you want to totally avoid last-minute runs, just carry a little cash backup. For the most part, cards work.
On Mauritius, hostels near popular beaches (Grand Baie, Pereybere) always took card when I stayed. However, further south, in Le Morne, my hostel said “cash only,” so I had to use an SBM ATM nearby. In general, cards are widely accepted but not guaranteed. To skip ATM scrambles, bring at least some rupees for check-ins in rural areas. Touristy hostels are generally card-ready.
Mauritius surprised me - I paid by card in most hostels, including one in Mahebourg. But at a family-run guesthouse in Bel Ombre, they only wanted cash. The island has plenty of ATMs, especially from MCB, so it wasn’t a big hassle. If you want to avoid last-minute runs, you’ll be fine sticking to coastal tourist areas with your Visa or Mastercard. It’s only the remote places that may trip you up.
In Grand Baie, my hostel happily took card at check-in, and even small hostels in Flic en Flac had working terminals. Mauritius is pretty card-friendly in tourist areas. That said, when I stayed at a more rural spot in Chamarel, they insisted on cash in rupees. ATMs from MCB and SBM are everywhere along the coast. To avoid ATM runs, bring some cash if you’re exploring inland, but otherwise you can use cards for most hostel stays.