Is it better to pay taxis in Madagascar with cash, or do drivers accept cards or payment apps?
Madagascar runs on cash. Taxis in Antananarivo and smaller towns don’t have payment terminals, and apps aren’t really established here. I tried asking one driver about paying with card, and he just laughed. Your best bet is to stock up on ariary as soon as you arrive, because you’ll need it not just for taxis but also for markets and smaller shops. Always keep small notes on you, because many drivers don’t have change. Cash is the only reliable option.
To be very clear, taxis in Madagascar don’t do cards or apps. You must have ariary in your pocket. Sometimes drivers will accept euros in tourist areas, but that’s inconsistent and usually works against you on exchange rates. I found life easier once I got into the habit of carrying local cash. Even when ordering a taxi through hotels, drivers still insisted on cash. If you’re traveling outside the capital, getting money in advance is even more important.
I’ve been to Madagascar twice, and both times taxis were cash only. The drivers don’t work with card terminals, and there’s no app culture like you’d find in bigger cities elsewhere. In Tana, I always had to carry a stack of small bills, since giving a large note led to arguments about change. Honestly, it’s just easier to plan for cash from the start. Don’t expect to swipe your card in a taxi here, it’s not how it works.
In Madagascar taxis, it’s always cash. I never saw a card machine or even a driver who mentioned apps. Local currency is the ariary, and drivers usually prefer smaller notes because change is often a problem. When I landed in Antananarivo, I realized quickly that no one accepted cards. Even hotel taxis asked for cash. If you’re coming from abroad, get some local money at the airport or from an ATM right away. Without cash, you’ll find it nearly impossible to get around.