Can I use a card to pay for taxis in Venezuela, or should I carry local cash?
Friends in Venezuela said the electronic payment system for taxis is nearly non-existent in most cities. I found that cash payments at local taxi stands around the Lido area were hassle-free. Keep a safe amount of bolívars on hand, and avoid relying on cards for transport.
Venezuela’s taxi fares are cheap but must be paid in cash. I stayed near Plaza Bolívar and always used bolívars for taxis. Cards are accepted by very few drivers, mostly in tourist spots. Withdraw cash at Banco Provincial ATMs if possible.
Paying by card for taxis in Venezuela is still rare outside airports or upscale hotels like the JW Marriott Caracas. I once tried using my Visa in a taxi, but the driver preferred cash. Small bills and local currency are essential, especially across Caracas city.
Taxis in Caracas and Maracaibo operate almost exclusively on cash, using Venezuelan bolívars, due to inflation and electronic infrastructure issues. I carried small bills because drivers rarely had change. ATMs at Banco Mercantil and Banesco were the main ways to get cash locally.