Can I use a card to pay for taxis in Grenada, or should I carry local cash?
I heard from locals that even though some taxis claim they accept cards, cash remains the norm in Grenada. Drivers around the Maurice Bishop International Airport prefer cash payments, usually in EC dollars. I found it easier to carry cash and avoid high card transaction fees. ATMs are reliable and charging about EC$5 per withdrawal.
Honestly, Grenadian taxis are mostly cash-only. I used taxis a lot around the Belmont area and always paid in cash. Some drivers might have card readers, but connectivity is spotty and fees high. Tipping in cash is also expected, so plan accordingly.
Tried to use my Mastercard for a taxi around Magazine Beach but many drivers preferred cash. Even at the Radisson Grenada Beach Resort, card use for taxis was limited. The local taxi scene is cash-focused, so I suggest withdrawing from Scotiabank ATMs or exchanging currency before traveling.
In St. George’s and Grand Anse areas, most taxi drivers expect cash in East Caribbean dollars. I asked at the Grenada Yacht Club, and card acceptance was rare except for a few airport taxis. I carried about EC$40 in small bills and found it made bargaining and tipping easier.