Wondering if I need cash for taxis in Zambia or if I can just pay with card or app like in other countries?
I took taxis around Ndola and Lusaka in May - every single one I asked preferred ZMW or equivalent USD. Some drivers talk up mobile wallet transfers, but I didn’t go there because I’m not on Airtel or Econet. Cash is king for taxis. I budgeted ZMW 200 a day for rides and that was enough to cover most trips.
In Livingstone, I tried paying a driver with Visa - but his card reader was unlinked and offline. He politely declined and asked for cash. He did mention they occasionally accept mobile wallet transfers, but that’s only if you and driver both have an Econet SIM. Traditional card or app? Forget it. Prepare with ZMW.
I use local Darwi taxi app in Kitwe - it shows rates in ZMW, but you still pay cash after the ride. There’s no in-app card payment like Uber. If a driver says they’ll take card, it usually means “I’ll ask you to transfer via EcoCash later.” Always keep ZMW ready for your taxi budget.
Took a taxi in Lusaka last month and the guy refused card - “network off,” he said. Another driver used InDrive with cash-on-delivery. I ended up using ZMW. I’d bring small bills - ZMW 20, 50 to cover short rides. No apps will let you just tap unless you pre-book online.