Trying to plan ahead so any know if card payments are common at hostels in Trinidad & Tobago or cash is king?
I stayed for a month between POS and Tobago hostels - most took cash only, one added a 4% surcharge for card use. The only hostel that truly accepted cards was in Crown Point, but their machine went down once. ATM runs aren’t hard, but to stay stress-free, it’s safest to arrive with cash to pay and then top up as needed downtown.
In Tobago, only my last stay accepted card - and then only after I arrived and pulled out my phone to confirm it worked. Most smaller guesthouses asked for cash upfront. Some charged a small “card fee” (3-5%). Hostels aren’t wired with reliable card machines. If you're arriving late, best to have cash ready. Always ask before arrival - most expect it.
Booked an Airbnb-style mini-hostel in Port of Spain and expected to pay by card - nope. They told me they take payment in-person by cash only. Another hostel claimed they took cards but added a 5% fee. To avoid last-minute ATM runs, bring TT$400-600 (~$60-$90 USD) to cover initial stay. After that, you can top up via ATM or card if machine is working.
I stayed at a couple of budget guesthouses and one hostel in Scarborough, Tobago - all required cash on check-in, even though some listed “cards accepted.” One place had a card machine but it was “offline.” I had to run to a bank teller at a nearby mini-branch. So yes, carry enough TT$ for at least the first nights, even if you book online.