Can I use a card to pay for taxis in Martinique, or should I carry local cash?
Locals in Martinique say card payments for taxis are uncommon outside luxury hotels. I saw this firsthand near La Trinité. Even Société Générale ATMs charge withdrawal fees around €5-8, so I withdrew cash to avoid extra card transaction costs in taxis. Cash is just simpler here.
Honestly, I found taxis in Martinique mostly cash-based. Staying near the Schoelcher area, I noticed drivers prefer euros in cash. Card payment machines were rare or non-functioning. Typical fares were €10-20 depending on distance, so carrying cash is more convenient.
Tried paying with my Mastercard at a taxi near La Française des Jeux, but the driver preferred cash. Martinique taxis tend to be cash-only, especially in residential areas. Scotiabank ATMs are reliable for euro withdrawals before taking taxis, so I always got cash first.
In Fort-de-France, most taxis expect cash in euros. Some airport or hotel taxis may accept cards, but that’s rare. I found it easiest to carry about €40 in small bills around areas like Place de la Savane or near Hôtel Bakoua. Cards often come with extra fees on taxis.