Is it better to pay taxis in Vanuatu with cash, or do drivers accept cards or payment apps?
My take: cash is king for taxis in Vanuatu. Port Vila has some taxis with card readers but only a few. Most drivers prefer cash, and it’s less hassle anyway. Don’t rely on payment apps like Apple Pay here; they’re not common with taxi drivers.
Some taxis in Vanuatu take cards, but in my experience, it’s rare and often expensive due to small fees added. The safest bet is cash, especially for trips outside Port Vila or on Tanna Island. Hostels and locals always suggested carrying enough Vatu for transport.
I always paid my taxis in cash when I traveled in Vanuatu. Card payments or apps like PayPal aren’t widely accepted by drivers, particularly in smaller towns. Best to keep enough local currency handy - ATMs are okay but can run out sometimes.
In Vanuatu, almost all taxis want cash - especially on outer islands. In Port Vila, some drivers accept card payments or apps but they aren’t super common yet. It’s way easier and quicker to carry Vatu cash, so grab some at the ATM before you get a taxi.