Can I use a card to pay for taxis in Haiti, or should I carry local cash?
I chatted with locals in Cap-Haïtien, and they all said cards for taxis are a no-go. Haitian taxis expect cash and in smaller bills. Even if you see signs about card payments, often machines are down or drivers don’t know how to use them. I recommend withdrawing Haitian gourdes from Natcom Bank ATMs for hassle-free rides.
Honestly, cash is king for taxis in Haiti. I stayed at Karibe Hotel and used local taxis exclusively, all paid with gourdes. The ATMs had good withdrawal options on arrival, so I got cash first thing. Card payments in taxis still aren’t common due to infrastructure challenges.
Tried paying with a card near the Hotel Montana in Pétion-Ville, but the driver said no. Haiti’s taxi system is mostly cash-based, so it’s best to withdraw local cash before you travel. Taxi fares are affordable but expect to barter, so small bills help a ton.
In Port-au-Prince and Pétion-Ville, taxis are almost always cash-only. Banks and hotels around these areas confirm card payments aren’t widely accepted for taxis. I carried Haitian gourdes in small denominations for taxi rides, especially after withdrawing from Sogebank ATMs.