Travelling soon - any advice if hostels accept cards in Moorea or I have to give them cash
I’d say cash is the default in Moorea hostels. During my two-week trip, only one place let me pay by card and they added a 4% surcharge. In contrast, all the guesthouses and hostels I stayed at, from Temae Beach to Afareaitu, asked for francs. If you’re visiting from Tahiti, withdraw in Papeete before you take the ferry, because you don’t want to get stuck searching for an ATM late at night.
From my experience, hostels in Moorea mostly prefer cash, though a few in Maharepa town center had working card readers. When I stayed in Paopao, they insisted on cash payment on arrival even though I booked through Hostelworld. If you’re moving around the island, it’s safer to bring enough francs upfront rather than hoping the machines work.
My stay in Haapiti was cash only, and the hostel manager said the credit card fees from banks like Banque de Polynésie made them avoid card use. Some bigger hotels on Moorea accept cards, but smaller hostels and pensions often don’t. I had to cycle to the ATM near Maharepa to withdraw. Definitely plan to carry cash if you’re on a budget trip.
In Moorea, many hostels and guesthouses operate on a more relaxed island system. I stayed at Fare Aute and had to pay cash in CFP francs. Their card machine was down and they warned me in advance by email. Honestly, I’d recommend arriving with enough local currency, because ATMs aren’t on every corner. Accommodation platforms might let you prepay online, but once you’re physically there, cash is often easier.