Is it better to pay taxis in Seychelles with cash, or do drivers accept cards or payment apps?
Seychelles is beautiful, but digital convenience hasn’t caught up when it comes to taxis. I never saw a driver with a card reader. They all wanted cash in rupees, and some accepted euros at poor exchange rates. ATMs aren’t on every corner, so make sure you withdraw ahead of time. Hotels can sometimes charge you for transfers on a card, but regular taxis won’t. If you plan to explore the islands, just carry enough cash to cover rides.
I was surprised how cash-dependent Seychelles still is for taxis. On Mahé and Praslin, every single driver wanted rupees, and when I asked about paying by card, they laughed. Hotels sometimes arrange transfers that can be added to your room bill, which is the only way around carrying cash. If you’re traveling independently, withdraw enough rupees before heading out, because taxis don’t run on cards or apps. Cash is not just preferred-it’s the only real option.
Tried to hold up my Visa at a taxi in Beau Vallon once and got a blank stare - so yeah, you’ll look like you’re offering monopoly money. Used cash almost every time. One quirky driver gave me change in coconut shells as a prank. No apps or contactless here. Personally, I’d grab enough cash to cover a week’s rides, then top up as needed. Taxis run on SCR notes in hand, nothing fancy.
I stayed in Seychelles for a month - taxis are nearly cash-only. I had one hotel-arranged drop-off paid by card, but that’s rare. No Bolt, Uber, or SnapScan for street taxis. Even ride shares between beaches expect cash. Local bus is your only public option unless you hire a cab directly. Card payments for taxis are the exception, not the rule. I withdrew a chunk upfront to avoid scrambling mid-trip.
Booked a taxi via my guesthouse once in Mahé and paid by card through their machine - no issues, but that was the exception. Almost every street taxi I flagged down in Victoria or at beaches strictly wanted cash (and small bills). Apps don’t really exist there. I kept SCR 300 handy every day. That gave me breathing room for night rides or trips from ferry docks.
In Victoria I flagged a taxi to the market and paid with SCR 100 cash - the meter, the lot. The driver said card wasn’t available. Later tried Uber-style apps - nothing. If you want a domestic ride, cash is it. Some guesthouses will book a private taxi and may accept card via their own terminal, but don’t bet on it. Always keep at least SCR 200 in your pocket for a ride.