Can I use a card to pay for taxis in Saint Lucia, or should I carry local cash?
In Saint Lucia, taxis are almost always cash-only. I stayed near Rodney Bay and also took rides from the airport, and none of the drivers had card machines. Prices are quoted upfront, and they want payment in Eastern Caribbean dollars. Some drivers will accept US dollars, but not all, and the exchange rate they give isn’t always great. To make life easier, get local cash before you arrive or at the airport. Taxis here are straightforward but not card-friendly at all.
Waved at a taxi in Gros Islet, ready for a card swipe, and the driver said, “We speak money, not plastic.” Fair enough. No tech in taxis, but that's part of the charm. If you’re spending time in villages or small towns, you’ll need cash. Grab a stack of small notes at the airport - your wallet will be grateful and you’ll feel like a local.
Booked a larger taxi through my guesthouse near Soufrière and they let me pay by card via their terminal. But for regular street taxis? Nope, all cash. Drivers often say “cash preferred” or no POS. I kept about XCD 100 handy. Not a big hassle, but handy to have bills - especially if you pop by local fruit stands or markets afterward.
Tried waving my Visa at a taxi in Castries and the driver gave me a confused look - no card machine in sight. Every cab I took outside resorts wanted EC dollars, cash only. There's no Uber or Bolt. I ended up with SCR-I mean, XCD in hand and that was that. Bring cash or else risk looking like you’re auditioning for a comedy.