Wondering how to pay for metro and bus rides in New Caledonia - cash only, or do cards work too?
Rode the Karuia Bus around Nouméa and paid cash each time. The drivers don’t take cards yet, so I kept enough CFP coins and notes handy. Hotels and shops accepted my Mastercard fine, but buses remain a cash affair. It’s an easy system once you get used to it.
It’s a bit old-fashioned that buses in New Caledonia don’t take cards yet when everything else does. Carry cash in Pacific Francs because drivers don’t give change and no contactless payments are accepted on buses. ATMs are okay for cash but watch the withdrawal fees.
If you’re commuting by bus in New Caledonia, always carry some cash in CFP as card payments are not common on buses. You can get tickets from the driver or buy in advance for a better price. For bigger expenses like hotels or car rentals, cards work well. ATMs in Nouméa or airports will give you local currency.
In New Caledonia, especially in Nouméa, buses operated by Karuia Bus accept cash payments when you board. The fare is around 210 CFP, but it’s cheaper if you buy tickets in advance at ticket outlets downtown. Card payments on buses aren’t widespread yet, but Visa and Mastercard are accepted in hotels, restaurants, and larger stores. ATMs are available mostly in urban areas for cash withdrawals in CFP (Pacific Franc).