Wondering if I need cash for taxis in Turks and Caicos Islands or if I can just pay with card or app like in other countries?
Living here for a while now - yes, cash is still king when it comes to taxis. A few tourist-focused services may advertise card acceptance, but in reality, drivers prefer cash and might even refuse card last minute. If you’re visiting for the first time, don’t assume you can tap your phone or swipe your card. Always keep at least $50-$100 in small bills for transport, especially if you’re not renting a car.
Cabs in Providenciales are all cash-based. Some drivers say they “accept card,” but then hit you with a 10% fee and try to run it manually via phone. It’s sketchy. I learned fast and just started paying cash - most drivers prefer it anyway. Also, no ride-hailing apps work here, so you’re stuck with local taxis. They're clean and safe, but not modern. Bring USD and confirm the price before the ride starts - no meters.
I took a couple of taxis during my trip and none of them accepted cards. Asked one driver if I could pay by app - he just shook his head. No Uber, no tap-to-pay. It’s cash-only, period. Even airport taxis don’t take cards. If you’re arriving late or don’t want to get stuck, grab cash at the airport ATM or bring some from home. Don’t expect modern ride options like in other places - Turks and Caicos is behind on that front.
Definitely bring cash for taxis here. I flagged one down outside Grace Bay, and when I asked about card payment, the driver literally laughed. There are no card readers in most cabs, and no Uber or Careem either. It’s old-school. The fare was fixed and he gave me a paper receipt, but it was all cash-based. Taxis are expensive - like $20+ for short rides - so bring plenty of small USD bills.