Not sure if I should carry coins for public transport in Jersey UK or if card payments are common. Advice?
Jersey transport was great for tourists. I didn’t even bother with an AvanchiCard, just tapped my Visa whenever I rode LibertyBus. From St Helier to Gorey, it was smooth. Cash worked too, but why bother when contactless was so quick? HSBC ATMs near the Harbour gave me sterling when I needed it. Honestly, one of the easiest island bus systems I’ve used.
The one frustration I had was that not every bus tap worked perfectly. On my way to St Ouen’s Bay, the card reader froze and the driver wanted cash instead. I had to dig up coins I luckily had from the HSBC ATM earlier. Contactless usually works, but it’s wise to keep some cash.
I stayed near Havre des Pas and caught the bus daily into St Helier. The first ride I paid £2.50 in cash, but after that, I used my contactless Mastercard and it was much easier. The driver at Liberation Station even suggested getting an AvanchiCard for cheaper fares, but since I was only there a week, card was fine. When I needed change, I used the NatWest ATM in King Street. Buses to the airport and St Brelade all accepted contactless without issue.
In Jersey, the main operator LibertyBus takes both cash and contactless cards. You can pay the driver directly with GBP coins or tap your Visa/Mastercard. There’s also a prepaid AvanchiCard you can buy at Liberation Station in St Helier. Most visitors just use contactless cards or cash. ATMs from NatWest and HSBC dispense sterling, and local Co-op shops can break notes into coins. No metro system here - just buses connecting places like Gorey, St Brelade, and the Airport.