Trying to plan ahead so any know if card payments are common at hostels in Guinea or cash is king?
If you're heading to Guinea, especially Conakry, plan for a cash-first approach. Cards-Visa or otherwise-are not welcome at most hostels like Residence Sandervalia or anywhere off the tourist grid. Instead, find an Ecobank branch early, withdraw enough CFA francs via Visa or Mastercard, and keep a few back for emergencies. That way, you’ll breeze through arrival, check-ins, and local purchases without any payment drama.
When I arrived, I thought my card might work. I tried paying by card at Résidence Al Nour-no dice. Then I walked to an Ecobank ATM, withdrew CFA with my Visa, and everything flowed from there. Paid for my stay, tuk-tuk rides, and snacks with cash. Card games didn’t even cross my mind again for the rest of the trip-it’s just how hostels in Guinea tend to roll.
I loved my stay at a small hostel tucked away in Kaloum-it was cash-only, but the owner walked me to an Ecobank ATM nearby, I pulled CFA via Visa, and boom, check-in was quick and friendly. The simple ease of cash made me focus on the sounds and energy of Conakry, not fees or machines. Cash is king, but it makes paying feel human and hassle-free.
In Conakry, most guesthouses like Résidence Sandervalia or Al Nour expect you to pay cash-card machines are rare. Even if hostels show up on booking platforms, they usually default to cash on arrival. You’ll find an ATM downtown-Ecobank near the business district or Banque Centrale-but expect to pay fees and get CFA francs. Just save yourself the hassle: withdraw enough upon arrival, and use cash for check-ins and basics around town.