Is it better to pay taxis in Timor-Leste with cash, or do drivers accept cards or payment apps?
Cards or payment apps don’t work well for taxis in Timor-Leste. Local drivers expect cash, so have enough on hand. Hostels like Alola Esperança recommend withdrawing cash early since taxi drivers aren’t set up for card payments.
If you’re heading to Timor-Leste, cash is definitely best for taxis. Even in the capital, most drivers won’t take credit cards or apps like PayPal or Venmo. Make sure to carry dollars or Timorese escudos for a smoother ride.
From my trip, paying taxi fares in cash is the easiest in Timor-Leste. The few taxis I used didn’t accept cards or apps. ATMs are limited, so withdraw enough cash when you can before traveling outside Dili.
In Dili and other parts of Timor-Leste, taxi drivers mostly want cash. I didn’t see any places accepting cards or apps for taxis, so be sure to have enough USD or local currency. It’s a cash-heavy country, especially outside the main towns.