Can I use a card to pay for taxis in Ecuador, or should I carry local cash?
When in Ecuador, especially in places like Cuenca or Manta, card payments for taxis are rare outside of airport or hotel transfers. I used Cash mainly, withdrawing from Banco Pichincha ATMs. Taxi drivers usually expect EC$ or US$ cash and might refuse cards because of poor connections or fees, so planning ahead is smart.
Honestly, cash is essential in Ecuador if you plan to use regular taxis. I stayed near La Mariscal and paid cash everywhere. The ATMs here are reliable, so I withdrew often. The quick tip: keep bills under $20 for convenience and beware that most local drivers don’t take cards unless it’s a ride booked via app.
I tried using my Visa card in a taxi at Quito’s airport, and it worked fine. But street taxis usually want cash payment in USD, so I kept about $40 in small bills handy. Apps and hotel shuttles are better for card payments, but street taxis are very much cash-based.
In Quito and Guayaquil, most taxis prefer cash in US dollars. I found card acceptance rare except at airport taxis or rides booked via apps like Uber or Cabify. On-the-street taxis near Plaza Foch or Malecón 2000 are strictly cash-only. Carry small bills since drivers rarely have change.
Tried paying with card in Guayaquil. Driver laughed and pointed at the meter. Definitely have cash, especially for short rides or street pickups.
Cash is still king for taxis in Ecuador. I’ve been to Quito and Cuenca, and not one driver accepted card. They all want small bills in USD.