Is it better to pay taxis in Tahiti with cash, or do drivers accept cards or payment apps?
I used an iOS-based taxi app in Puna’auia, but like others, the driver still collected cash on arrival. No cab terminals exist, even in urban Papeete. Rides average around 1,500-3,000 XPF (~US$15-30), and they expect cash payment. For reliable travel, withdraw local currency before you need a ride.
Taxis on the islands of Tahiti and Moorea are mostly street-hail or pre-booked, but always paid in cash. I tried tapping my credit card after booking a ride via app and the driver physically said “no.” They expect to be paid in Pacific Francs, and sometimes don’t carry change for large bills. Bring exact change or small notes to avoid hassle.
I took taxis regularly on Mo’orea and Tahiti - not once did I see a card machine in the cab. Even when booking through an app, the drivers ended up requesting cash in XPF. I’d recommend withdrawing enough local currency at the airport or in town to cover your taxi rides. It’s that simple - apps help with booking, not payment.
In Papeete most taxis are cash-only - the drivers will smile if you ask about card, but then shrug and say they “don’t have a terminal.” I used Apple Pay once via an app-booked ride, but the driver still insisted on cash at the end. Budget about 5,000-10,000 XPF (~US$50-100) for airport transfers. In short: cash is safest, especially after dark or off the beaten path.