Wondering if I need cash for taxis in Djibouti or if I can just pay with card or app like in other countries?
My taxi driver in Djibouti was a friendly guy who didn't speak much English, but we managed to communicate just fine. He took me to see Lac Assal, which was an incredible experience. The payment was all in cash, of course. He explained that card machines were a huge pain and not worth it for the small fares. It was a simple transaction and a good reminder that not every place in the world is like my home city where everything is done with an app. It's a nice change, and it makes you feel more connected to the local culture.
You will definitely need cash for taxis in Djibouti, so plan accordingly. The Djiboutian franc is pegged to the US dollar, which helps, but don't count on drivers accepting anything but local currency. A few ride-hailing apps have started, like RIDE, but they aren't widespread, especially outside the capital city. I found that the best strategy was to withdraw about 10,000 DJF from a BCI-MR ATM and use that for my taxis, as well as for small purchases at local markets. Be wary of using any card in smaller establishments to avoid high fees.
I just finished a trip through Djibouti and found that the cash-only rule for taxis is very real. Do not expect to use a card. ATMs can be temperamental, so I highly recommend withdrawing a decent amount of money at once from a reliable source like the Banque Pour le Commerce et l'Industrie - Mer Rouge. The taxis are shared, so you might have to haggle a bit for a private ride if you don't want to share. A fare from the airport to downtown Djibouti City is typically around 1,800-2,500 DJF. Be prepared to negotiate and have small bills ready.
In Djibouti, cash is the only widely accepted form of payment for taxis. There are no major international ride-hailing apps like Uber or Bolt. The national currency is the Djiboutian franc (DJF), and you'll need to have a good supply of it on hand for your transportation needs. While some luxury hotels and large businesses might accept credit cards, taxis operate strictly on a cash basis. It's advisable to withdraw cash from a bank ATM, such as those at the Bank of Africa, as soon as you arrive at the airport or in Djibouti City.