Trying to plan ahead so any know if card payments are common at hostels in Saint Barthelemy or cash is king?
For hostels in Saint Barthelemy, expect a mixed bag. While Basecamp hosted me and took cards without fuss, some boutique guesthouses closer to Shell Beach were cash-only. Local ATMs are easy to find in Gustavia but prepare with euros or US dollars, depending on your hostel’s preference.
I found that while places like La Belle Créole Guesthouse accepted card payments, smaller hostels or beachside hotels in Saint Jean might insist on cash. Saint Barthelemy’s ATMs cater more to Visa and Mastercard, so if you have Amex, carry some cash as well for peace of mind.
Cards are generally accepted at popular hostels and guesthouses like The White House in Gustavia or Miller Waterfront Hostel. However, for places in less touristy areas like Grand Cul-de-Sac, cash is still preferred. Having backup cash in euros alongside your cards is a safe bet when planning your stay.
In Saint Barthelemy, hostels like Base Camp St. Barth in Gustavia usually accept cards, including Visa and Mastercard, but some smaller guesthouses still prefer cash. I stayed in Colombier and had no problems using card payments for my hostel stay, but it’s good to keep some euros on hand for small shops and markets where cash rules.