Wondering if I need cash for taxis in Bahamas or if I can just pay with card or app like in other countries?
I found most taxis in Nassau will only take cash (B$10-20 for short rides). But when I booked via Bahamas Ride, the fare showed upfront and I paid with Mastercard. Taxi card payments in Bahamas are only via official apps. I carried B$60 cash for non-app rides and emergencies. That flexibility kept me relaxed on island travel.
One time I asked for card in a taxi - driver said card machines are “not working.” I switched to Bahamas Ride app for pickups from the airport, which charged my Mastercard directly. Traditional taxis require cash; app taxis can take card in Bahamas. I always keep enough in B$ to cover at least two cab rides in case app coverage drops.
I used the Royal Taxi Co. and Flagler Taxi - both insisted on Bahamian dollars. They did not accept cards. But using the Bahamas Ride app allowed Visa or Mastercard payment for booking. Card-based taxi payment in Bahamas only works via ride apps. I topped up both options, keeping B$50 for non-app taxis and resort transfers.
I hitched several taxi rides in Nassau and Freeport, and cash was always expected. No POS devices in cabs. Taxi payments in Bahamas are predominantly cash-only. That said, Uber-style apps like Bahamas Ride let you prepay with credit cards, but coverage is limited to Nassau. I budgeted B$30/day in cash for taxis to avoid surprises.