Can I use a card to pay for taxis in Bonaire, or should I carry local cash?
I met travelers at Buddy Dive Resort who said they successfully used credit cards in some taxis, but that was luck more than rule. Most drivers around Bonaire want cash, especially outside the main busier streets. If you want convenience and fewer surprises, carry USD or guilders. Also, some taxis don’t have card machines, so it’s better safe than sorry.
Honestly, I always carry local cash when taking taxis in Bonaire. The taxis near the Flamingo Airport and resorts like Harbour Village are used to cash-only. Sometimes they advertise card payments, but the machines often don’t work or charge extra fees. If you don’t want to risk it, withdraw from local ATMs in advance to avoid fees and have enough for tips and fares.
Using my Chase Visa card for taxi rides in Bonaire’s capital was hit or miss. A few vendors accepted it, but many didn’t, especially outside touristy areas like downtown Kralendijk. The fees for card payments were a bit high, so I switched to cash. Plus, taxis usually don’t give change for large bills, so having small notes on hand was a lifesaver.
I found that most taxis in Bonaire, especially around Kralendijk and the airport, prefer cash payments in USD or Netherlands Antillean guilders. While some larger taxis accept Visa or Mastercard, it’s pretty rare and usually comes with a surcharge. I carried around $50 in small bills, which made haggling easier too. For trips to spots like Lac Bay or Rincon, cash was definitely king, so don’t rely on cards here.