Wondering if I need cash for taxis in Colombia or if I can just pay with card or app like in other countries?
Only cash. Especially in smaller towns like Jardín or Salento it’s 100% cash-only, often in unmetered taxis. Also, if you're going into the countryside or doing a long ride, drivers may ask for cash upfront. So yeah, apps = card, street = cash.
In Bogotá I used Uber and Cabify with a card no problems. Card linked to the app, clean cars, and no haggling. But if you flag down a taxi on the street or take one at a bus terminal its cash only, and they rarely have change. I always kept around 50k COP in small bills just for taxis, street food, or emergencies.
“Even airport taxis wanted cash and small bills. Landed in Cartagena and got an official taxi from the airport booth - was cash only, no card reader. Same thing at a hotel taxi in Medellín. No one wanted to mess with cards. I used InDrive app a few times, which lets you agree on a fare, but payment is still in cash. So yeah, carry small bills like 10,000-20,000 COP.
Cash is king for street taxis, but apps help in big cities. In Bogotá and Medellín, I tried waving down taxis but none took cards. All wanted pesos in cash. That said, I used Cabify and DiDi, and both let me pay in-app with my Visa card, just like Uber. If you’re hailing from the street: carry cash. If you're booking by app: you're good.