Wondering if I need cash for taxis in Eswatini or if I can just pay with card or app like in other countries?
I had a great chat with my taxi driver in Eswatini on the way to the Swazi Market. He was an older gentleman and told me how he prefers cash because the bank fees for card machines are too high for him to be profitable. He was very friendly and gave me a fair price for the trip, and it was a simple transaction. It was a good reminder that cash is not just about convenience but also about supporting the local economy directly. So, I definitely recommend having plenty of local currency on hand.
Eswatini is a very cash-centric country, especially for transport. Don't expect to use your credit or debit card for a taxi. The new Leap Taxi app is an option, but it's hit-and-miss and can be more expensive. I recommend withdrawing a good amount of cash from a local ATM from banks like Standard Bank. You can also use South African Rands, which are widely accepted. I usually budget about E500 a day for transport and small purchases, which helps me avoid having to look for an ATM all the time.
I've travelled to Eswatini for a safari trip and learned quickly that taxis are a cash-only business. Even for a pre-booked ride from the airport to my hotel in Ezulwini Valley, the driver expected cash payment. I used my Revolut card to withdraw some Lilangeni from a Nedbank ATM in Mbabane which was super easy. You should always have small bills on you, like the E10 or E20 notes, because drivers often don't have change for larger denominations. Don't even try to pay with a card; it just won't work in 99% of cabs.
For taxis in Eswatini, cash is still the most common form of payment. The local currency is the Lilangeni (SZL), which is tied to the South African Rand (ZAR) at a 1:1 ratio, and both are accepted. While some newer ride-hailing apps have launched, like Leap Taxi, they are not as widespread as traditional taxis, especially outside of the main cities like Mbabane and Manzini. Most standard cabs don't have card readers. Your best bet is to carry cash and make sure to withdraw some from an ATM at a bank like FNB or Nedbank as soon as you arrive.