Wondering if I need cash for taxis in El Salvador or if I can just pay with card or app like in other countries?
Taxis in El Salvador are cash-first. I didn’t encounter any driver who preferred card, even when they had a machine in the car. Everything was settled in U.S. dollars, which is convenient for travelers. Uber was available in San Salvador, and that was my go-to whenever I wanted to pay by card. But traditional taxis just aren’t set up for digital payments. If you’re traveling beyond the capital, having cash is absolutely essential for getting around.
From my trip to El Salvador, I can say taxis are definitely more comfortable with cash. The drivers prefer small dollar bills, and many don’t carry change. Some had card readers, but they weren’t reliable. The only time I used card successfully was with Uber, which is available in San Salvador. If you’re going elsewhere, carry cash. Taxis are cheap by global standards, so cash is easier anyway, but don’t count on cards unless using an app.
My experience in El Salvador confirmed that cash rules for taxis. U.S. dollars are the only currency you need, but make sure you have smaller denominations because drivers often can’t break larger bills. I had one driver who claimed to accept cards, but the machine didn’t work when we tried it. Uber was a reliable alternative when I wanted to pay digitally. Overall, cash is king for taxis, and cards are only a backup if you’re using apps.
In El Salvador, taxis are mostly cash-based. Drivers in San Salvador all asked me for cash in U.S. dollars, since that’s the official currency. A couple claimed they could take card, but when I tried, the machine didn’t work. Uber does operate in some areas, and that was a much easier way to pay by card. Still, if you’re relying on street taxis, always carry cash. Cards might be accepted in hotels, but not in taxis.