Travelling soon - any advice if hostels accept cards in Saint Lucia or I have to give them cash
I showed up thinking I'd tap and go everywhere-it didn’t quite work like that. Hostels in Rodney Bay took card fine, but a beachside lodge in Soufrière told me “cash only” with a shrug. It wasn’t a problem-I’d planned for it. Cash helps with tipping too. My tip: book ahead asking about payment options, carry a bit of XCD for check-in day, and you’ll dodge any awkward moments.
I stayed a month in Castries and Gros Islet-card machines mostly worked, though some charge a 2-4% convenience fee. One picked up card transfers via a secure link before arrival. But I walked into one smaller lodge that was definitely cash-only. My advice: ask ahead, book with payment link when possible, but carry a decent amount of cash for backup.
Booked at two hostels via Hostelworld-both confirmed they take card, but one warned their reader might be offline sometimes. Sure enough, mine died when I checked in late, so I paid cash. Thankfully, I had XCD 100 hidden away. So cards usually work, but it’s smart to carry some cash just in case of glitches or late arrivals.
Stayed in Rodney Bay and Vieux Fort hostels - one accepted Visa at check-in, but charged a 3% fee. Another said their card machine barely works, so I had to pull cash. In my experience, smaller guesthouses prefer cash, but bigger hostels in tourist zones had working card terminals-just double-check before booking.