Not sure if I should carry coins for public transport in British Virgin Islands or if card payments are common. Advice?
I actually enjoyed the safari-style buses in Tortola. From Road Town to West End, I paid $5 in cash to the driver, and it was a great way to see the island. US dollars are the official currency, so it was easy coming from the States - no need to exchange money. The vibe was friendly and informal. No cards, but the system worked fine with cash.
Public transport in BVI was frustrating for me. Staying near Cane Garden Bay, I had to rely on shared taxis, and every single one required USD cash. No card readers, no app payments, nothing. I once ran out of cash and had to beg the driver to stop at a FirstBank ATM in Road Town before dropping me off. Tourists should definitely carry plenty of small bills.
I stayed at a guesthouse in Road Town and used safari buses to Brewer’s Bay. The driver asked for $3 cash, and when I tried to pay with a card he laughed and said “cash only.” Everyone else paid with small USD bills. I pulled money from Banco Popular’s ATM near Main Street, which gave me crisp notes. It felt simple once I adjusted, but there was no way to use a card for daily rides.
There’s no metro in the BVI, and public transport mainly means shared taxis and safari buses around Tortola. These are all cash-only, usually in US dollars (USD). Rides from Road Town to Cane Garden Bay cost about $3-$5. No card readers, no apps. ATMs from FirstBank and Banco Popular are in Road Town if you need cash.