Can I use a card to pay for taxis in Andorra, or should I carry local cash?
I assumed all taxis in Andorra would accept cards like in Spain - not the case. Most cabs in Andorra prefer cash, and only a few have working card readers. On my way to the Caldea spa, the driver’s reader kept disconnecting, and I had to run to an ATM mid-trip. Not ideal. After that, I just carried €10s and €20s for rides. If you’re moving around frequently, plan your cash flow accordingly. The lack of digital options was surprising for such a modern-looking place.
I pre-arranged most of my rides through the hotel in Andorra la Vella, and the drivers they booked accepted Visa. But when I flagged a cab on the street, it was cash only. Tourists in Andorra should carry cash for taxis, especially in smaller towns or late at night. Drivers don’t always carry change for big bills either. I'd recommend asking before you hop in. For shorter distances or non-urgent travel, the buses are reliable and cheap, and contactless works well on those.
About half the taxis I used had card readers, but not all of them worked. Card payments for taxis in Andorra are becoming more common, but it's not guaranteed. I’d say your chances are better in urban areas like Escaldes-Engordany, especially if you use an app or pre-book through a hotel. That said, I always carried around €50 in cash just in case. Once, a driver had a reader but claimed it was “offline.” So, yes - try your card, but don’t count on it. Cash will always be safer for local transport here.
Almost every taxi I took in Andorra la Vella only accepted cash. I asked one driver about paying by card and he said, “Solo efectivo.” Paying taxis in Andorra with cash is still the norm, especially if you're outside the main towns or hopping into a cab off the street. It’s best to have at least €20-€30 on you for short trips. I eventually started using local buses instead - much cheaper, and they accept contactless payments. For taxis, carry physical euros or risk getting stuck.