Is it better to pay taxis in Jersey UK with cash, or do drivers accept cards or payment apps?
Jersey taxis aren’t fully modernized in terms of payment. While card acceptance exists, I’d call it unreliable. Pounds in cash were accepted everywhere, so that’s what I ended up using most. The easiest solution I found was to pre-book taxis through larger operators who could guarantee card payment. If you’re flagging down one in town or near the harbor, just expect to pay cash. It’s not that cards don’t exist there, it’s just not consistent enough to trust.
I found taxis in Jersey less card-friendly than I expected. Some drivers had machines, but often they said it wasn’t working. Cash in pounds was always accepted without question. If you want the convenience of paying by card, call ahead and use a company that confirms it. I learned the hard way when my card was refused, and I had to find an ATM before the driver let me go. Since then, I always carried cash and avoided issues.
My experience with Jersey taxis was mixed. The official cabs at the airport mostly had card machines, but a couple claimed theirs were “out of order” and wanted cash. Pounds are widely used, so that’s the safest way to settle. If you don’t like carrying a lot of money, you can pre-book through certain firms that guarantee card acceptance. It’s not a huge inconvenience, but I’d say don’t get caught with no cash, because it can be awkward at drop-off.
In Jersey, taxis do have card readers, but it’s a bit hit-and-miss whether they’re actually working. I took several rides from St Helier, and about half of the drivers asked me to pay cash instead. Pounds sterling are what you’ll need. It’s not as advanced as mainland UK in terms of contactless everywhere, so keep some cash in your wallet. Some companies will confirm card acceptance if you book in advance, but if you’re hailing a taxi, assume cash.