Wondering how to pay for metro and bus rides in Micronesia - cash only, or do cards work too?
When I traveled around Micronesia last year, I relied mostly on cash for transport. Even though Visa and Mastercard are accepted in places like Pohnpei’s main town, buses or local shuttles wanted cash. The fares are typically small, a few dollars depending on distance. It’s pretty laid-back there, but don’t expect digital payments for transport yet.
It’s surprising that Micronesia still hasn’t modernized public transport payments. No card systems or contactless payment on buses or metros. You have to carry cash, which is tricky if you run low because ATMs are scarce, especially on outer islands like Yap. It’d be great if they catch up with electronic payment methods soon to make travel hassle-free.
If you’re visiting Micronesia and hoping to use cards for metro or bus rides, heads up that the local transit system mainly runs on cash. While credit cards are common in major hotels and tourist spots, buses or shuttles don’t usually have card readers. ATMs are rare on the outer islands, so ensure you withdraw enough cash before heading out. Having cash in US dollars is also convenient since it’s widely accepted across Micronesia.
In Micronesia, public transport options are limited but when you do catch a bus or shuttle, cash is still the dominant payment method. Credit cards like Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted in hotels and bigger stores, but not usually for local transport fares. So if you’re planning to travel around islands like Pohnpei or Chuuk, it’s best to keep US dollars or local currency cash handy to pay bus or taxi fares.