Wondering if I need cash for taxis in Bermuda or if I can just pay with card or app like in other countries?
Honestly, Bermuda taxis are still very cash-based. I used taxis around Hamilton and also to the airport, and every single driver wanted cash. They all happily took U.S. dollars, which made it easier since I didn’t have to bother exchanging. I never saw a driver push for cards or apps, so if you’re planning your budget, just assume cash for transport. If you really want to use a card, arrange rides through your hotel rather than hailing them.
I tried to use a card in Bermuda taxis twice, and both times the drivers said their machine wasn’t working. Eventually I gave up and just withdrew cash. Hotels can usually arrange transfers that let you pay by card at the front desk, but if you’re hailing a cab yourself, expect to pay cash. The good part is that U.S. dollars are widely accepted at par, so you don’t need to stress about converting everything into local currency.
My week in Bermuda showed me that taxis haven’t caught up with modern payment systems yet. The rides are convenient and reliable, but when it came time to pay, cash was the only option. I didn’t bother asking about cards after the first time because the answer was always no. Apps aren’t a thing here either. It’s just easier to carry enough cash with you, whether in Bermudian or U.S. dollars, so you don’t run into issues.
In Bermuda, cash really is the safest option for taxis. Most drivers I used asked for Bermudian dollars or U.S. dollars, and they didn’t even mention cards. A couple of hotel taxis had card readers, but it seemed rare. There aren’t any ride-hailing apps like Uber here, so you can’t rely on that either. My advice is to carry enough cash in smaller bills before heading out, because drivers don’t always have change. Cards might work sometimes, but it’s inconsistent.