Trying to plan ahead so any know if card payments are common at hostels in Nigeria or cash is king?
Honestly, even locals prefer cash for small stays. ATMs can run empty and card terminals are unreliable. If you’re backpacking through Nigeria, always have naira in hand before heading to your hostel.
I did find one modern hostel near Lekki that accepted card, but they added a service fee. Compared to all the smaller hostels I tried in Ibadan and Kano, it was definitely the exception. Bring cash so you don’t get stranded.
Hostels in Nigeria often list card as an option but in practice the machine is down or electricity cuts out. Don’t count on it. If you want smooth check-in, carry enough naira for your stay. Online bookings only secure the room, not the payment.
I stayed in Lagos and Abuja and can say most hostels and guesthouses wanted cash upfront. I tried to use card once in Surulere and their machine didn’t work due to “network.” They politely asked me to pay in naira cash instead. Pretty normal here.