Wondering if I need cash for taxis in Mauritius or if I can just pay with card or app like in other countries?
Mauritius feels modern in many ways, but taxis haven’t gone digital. Every ride I took was paid in cash, and card wasn’t even on the table. Apps don’t exist for taxis here, so the setup is very traditional-you negotiate the fare, then hand over rupees at the end. Hotels can book you cars where you might pay differently, but regular taxis don’t offer that. If you’re visiting, sort out cash right away, and use smaller notes whenever possible.
From my trip in Mauritius, I can say taxis don’t accept cards. It’s all cash, in local currency. Some drivers will happily take euros or dollars in touristy zones, but they’ll round up the price, so it’s not great value. There are no Uber or Bolt options here, so you’re basically dealing directly with drivers. I’d recommend withdrawing enough cash early and keeping change on you. That way you won’t stress when it’s time to pay after a ride.
I found Mauritius taxis old-fashioned in terms of payment. Drivers all wanted cash in rupees. A few near resorts accepted euros or dollars, but the exchange rate they gave wasn’t good. No one had a card machine, and no app-based options exist either. My tip: always clarify the fare before you get in, and carry enough rupee notes for short and long trips. Cash is the only way taxis operate here, so don’t expect card convenience.
Mauritius taxis are cash-only for the most part. I didn’t see a single driver with a card machine, and when I asked, they laughed. You usually negotiate the fare before getting in, and then pay in Mauritian rupees. Some high-end hotels will arrange transfers that can be charged to your room, but those are exceptions. If you’re just picking up taxis on the street, it’s cash every time. Have small rupee notes ready-it makes life much easier.