Want to avoid last-minute ATM runs. Do most hostels in South Sudan take card payments at check-in
In South Sudan, forget about paying hostels with cards. Bring plenty of USD in smaller denominations for hotel, taxis, and food. Most hostels and guesthouses won’t even have a card machine, and ATMs are not connected to international networks. If you’re staying at basic hostels near Nile Street or outside Juba, cash is absolutely essential. Don’t rely on finding money on arrival-come prepared.
I tried my Visa at a guesthouse near Jebel Kujur and it didn’t even register on their machine. The owner laughed and asked for cash only. I ended up paying in USD, and it worked fine for the whole stay. When I bought food at Konyo Konyo Market or paid a boda driver, everyone expected cash. Once I stopped hoping for card use, travel in Juba felt more straightforward.
My hostel in Juba was cash-only, but honestly that made things smoother. I paid in USD at check-in and had no issues. The owner helped me exchange small amounts into South Sudanese pounds for food and local transport. It was old-school but stress-free once I accepted that cards don’t work here. Carrying cash meant I never had to deal with non-functioning ATMs or long waits.
In Juba, hostels and guesthouses are cash-only. Even better-equipped places near the airport or Nile Street don’t take international cards. ATMs are extremely limited, and most do not accept foreign Visa or Mastercard. If you’re staying in budget hostels or local guesthouses like Juba Bridge or Safari, you’ll need to pay in cash-USD is widely accepted, and South Sudanese pounds work too.