Trying to plan ahead so any know if card payments are common at hostels in British Virgin Islands or cash is king?
In BVI, it’s safer to think: “Tortola = card, other islands = cash.” My Road Town hostel swiped Mastercard without issue, but on Jost Van Dyke, cash was non-negotiable. ATMs are limited outside Tortola. Since the islands run on USD, just bring enough before you hop between islands to avoid scrambling for payment at check-in.
Tortola hostels and budget stays usually accept card - I checked into two around Road Town and swiped my Visa fine. But once I ferried to Virgin Gorda, I was told “cash only” and had to walk to a Scotiabank ATM. Cards work better in main towns, but islands beyond Tortola are unpredictable. Always have cash in hand before leaving the main island.
My experience in the BVI was split. In Road Town, my hostel happily took Mastercard. But on Anegada, the guesthouse asked for cash, and the lone ATM in town wasn’t reliable. The islands use USD, so it’s easier than hunting foreign exchange, but don’t assume every hostel has card terminals. If planning ahead, bring enough cash for smaller islands.
On Tortola, my hostel near Road Town accepted card, but when I went to Virgin Gorda, the guesthouse insisted on cash. ATMs from First Caribbean and Banco Popular worked fine, but they weren’t on every corner. BVI leans card for hotels, but hostels and budget inns can be cash-only. If avoiding last-minute ATM runs is key, carry USD cash since it’s accepted everywhere.