Trying to plan ahead so any know if card payments are common at hostels in Mozambique or cash is king?
My stay in Mozambique was great, but if you’re planning ahead, note that cash is king. Booking sites may let you reserve online but the bill at check-in will nearly always be cash. To avoid stress, just budget with that in mind.
A few of the pricier backpacker spots in Ponta do Ouro accepted card, but it was hit or miss. I got charged an extra 5% once. Since payment terminals often go offline, I’d say bring meticais or even USD. Makes life simpler.
Hostels in Mozambique really operate on a cash culture. I tried paying with Mastercard at a beach hostel in Vilankulo and they laughed and pointed me to a corner shop that sometimes ran cards, but it didn’t work. Don’t rely on plastic here.
I traveled around Maputo and Tofo and honestly every hostel I stayed at asked for cash. They were friendly about it, but card terminals just weren’t common. Even a larger place like Fatima’s in Maputo only worked with cash at the desk. Have some meticais ready before you arrive.