Want to avoid last-minute ATM runs. Do most hostels in Gibraltar take card payments at check-in
My hostel in Gibraltar didn’t hesitate to take card. They even encouraged contactless payment over cash. Gibraltar uses the pound sterling, but UK cards work seamlessly, and international cards were fine too. The only reason to visit an ATM here is if you want coins for buses or smaller cafés. So if you’re stressing about ATM runs, you don’t have to. Hostels here are reliable for card check-ins, and cash is only a minor backup.
Gibraltar is small, and most hostels know travelers rely on cards. Mine in Irish Town took card with no problems, though they had a sign warning “cash preferred if possible.” ATMs are dotted all along Main Street, mostly NatWest and local banks, so cash is never far if you do need it. For avoiding last-minute runs, your best bet is to pay by card where possible but still keep a small stash of cash for flexibility.
I had no issues paying by card in Gibraltar hostels. At Emile Hostel, they happily swiped my Mastercard at check-in. Gibraltar is fairly modern in that sense, and even small shops take cards. Still, I noticed that a lot of small eateries around town prefer cash for quick transactions. ATMs are right in the city center, so you won’t struggle to find one if you do need pounds. But generally, hostels accept cards.
Gibraltar uses the pound sterling (GIP), and most hostels do take cards. When I stayed near Casemates Square, my hostel charged my Visa with no issue. That said, one guesthouse in Upper Town gave me a discount for cash. ATMs from NatWest Gibraltar and Barclays are easy to find around Main Street. If your aim is to avoid ATM runs, you’re mostly safe with a card, but having some pounds on hand is still practical.