Do hostels in Australia accept cards or only cash?

I was doing a road trip along the Gold Coast and stayed at a few hostels like Bunk Surfers Paradise and Aquarius Backpackers. Both places accepted my Canadian Scotiabank Visa at check-in. They also allowed Apple Pay at one location, which was super convenient. One guy in my dorm had trouble because his card didn’t have tap, and he had to type his number manually. But they were clear that cash was not an option. Most hostels in Australia have stopped dealing with cash for check-ins or deposits, so bring at least one working international debit or credit card.

I stayed at a small independent hostel in Cairns called Mad Monkey Waterfront and they accepted card payments with no problem. I used my South African FNB Visa debit card and paid for the full stay at check-in. They did mention that Amex was not accepted, which I also noticed at a few restaurants nearby. Some of the local activities you book through the hostel tour desk also require a card, and they’ll usually surcharge for credit. But I never once needed to go to an ATM for accommodation. Just make sure your card has international use enabled.

I was in Melbourne last month and booked a bed at The Village Hostel near Docklands. I paid online with my Revolut Visa, and they charged the rest of the balance at check-in using a mobile card machine. I saw a few people trying to pay in cash, and the staff told them they only accept cards no cash allowed at the desk. Even for extras like towel rental or laundry tokens, they asked everyone to use a card. If you’re coming to Australia, you’ll be totally fine paying by Visa or Mastercard at almost every hostel.

I stayed at Wake Up! Sydney Central in June and paid for everything with my UK Monzo Mastercard. They asked for full payment at check-in and I tapped my card at reception no issues at all. They also pre-authorised a small deposit, which was automatically released a few days after checkout. Even the bar and café downstairs accepted contactless payments. I didn’t carry any cash during my stay in Sydney and didn’t need to. All major hostels in the city are very card-friendly now.