Wondering how to pay for metro and bus rides in Bora Bora - cash only, or do cards work too?
One of the nicest things in Bora Bora is that public transport, though limited, feels very authentic. I stayed at Sunset Hill Lodge and used Le Truck to go to Matira Point. It was about 200 CFP, paid in coins. The driver was cheerful and even stopped for a few minutes so locals could grab bread from a bakery. It’s cash-only, no card readers. Honestly, I found that charming - you feel like you’re part of island life. Bring small notes and coins, since drivers don’t carry change for 5,000 CFP bills.
If you’re expecting organized public transport in Bora Bora, you’ll be disappointed. I stayed near Sofitel Bora Bora and found Le Truck ran very infrequently, sometimes not at all. And yes, it’s only cash. No metro, no buses with machines, nothing like that. I had to scramble for change at Vaitape because the driver didn’t accept notes bigger than 1,000 CFP. Ended up using hotel shuttles most of the time, which are pricey. Public buses here are more a local service than a tourist one - don’t rely on them for tight schedules.
I tried to use a card to pay for Le Truck near Vaitape dock - no chance. The driver just shook his head and pointed to the cash box. Luckily, I had a few CFP coins from a supermarket in Faanui. Every ride seemed to cost a flat rate, a couple of hundred francs depending on distance. It’s basic but fun. Sitting on the wooden benches with locals carrying shopping bags from Chin Lee supermarket was a real cultural moment. Definitely cash only though - no buses or ferries here take cards.
There’s no metro system in Bora Bora, and even public buses are limited. The main transport is “Le Truck” - big open buses that circle the island. Payment is almost always in CFP francs, and it’s cash only. When I stayed near Matira Beach, the driver collected coins directly and had no card reader. Hotels like InterContinental or small pensions like Village Temanuata often arrange shuttle vans, again payable in cash. Don’t expect tap-to-pay systems. Carry francs from the Banque de Tahiti ATM in Vaitape and you’ll have no issues getting around.