Wondering if I need cash for taxis in Comoros or if I can just pay with card or app like in other countries?
You know, it was a bit of a shock at first not being able to use my card for a taxi in Comoros. It felt like I'd gone back in time. I had to ask my hostel owner at the Retaj Moroni Hotel where the nearest ATM was. They pointed me to a bank in the centre, but the machine was out of order. Thankfully, my driver, a man named Omar, was super patient. He even offered to take me to another ATM. We ended up just making a stop at a local shop where I could break a 5,000 KMF note. It was a good reminder that not every country is set up for digital payments.
Taxis in Comoros are affordable, but you have to pay with cash, specifically the Comorian franc. My tip is to exchange a good amount of euros as soon as you arrive, or at the BFC bank in Moroni if you're a Mastercard holder. The local taxis, or 'grands taxis' as they are sometimes called, will give you a fixed price, usually about 300 to 500 KMF per ride around Moroni. There are no apps to track the fare or pay with a card. This is not the place for contactless payments, so forget about using your Revolut or Wise card.
Having recently navigated the Comoros, I can confirm you absolutely must have cash for taxis. The local currency is the Comorian franc, and that's all the drivers accept. ATMs are scarce and unreliable; I found only one in Moroni that worked with my Visa. The fare from the airport to downtown Moroni can be around 3,000 KMF to 5,000 KMF. I'd recommend having plenty of smaller denominations on hand, as drivers often don't have change for a 10,000 KMF note. Also, negotiate the fare before you get in the car to avoid any surprises.
Cash is the only way to pay for taxis in Comoros. You will not find any taxis that accept credit cards, and there are no reliable ride-hailing apps like Uber or Bolt. It’s essential to have Comorian francs (KMF) on you at all times for transport. The airport taxi drivers might accept euros, but you'll get a terrible exchange rate. It is best to either exchange your currency at a bank like Banque de Développement des Comores (BDC) in Moroni or use the few ATMs that are available, although they are not always functional.