Estonia is honestly one of the most cashless countries I’ve ever been to. Hostels in Tallinn, Tartu, and even Saaremaa island all had card machines. S...

I actually had a decent experience in Alexandria. My hostel near Corniche did accept cards, though they charged a small fee. In Cairo, though, cash wa...

I didn’t mind paying cash because it was easy to get NZD at the ANZ ATM by the market in Avarua. My hostel near Muri Beach told me upfront on email th...

In Shanghai, some of the more international hostels around People’s Square did accept cards, especially if they had a lot of European backpackers. I p...

Yes, cards are accepted at some hostels, especially in Praia, but don’t expect it everywhere. The better hostels catering to surfers around Santa Mari...

I had no problems paying with card at a hostel near Rockley Beach, but I think it was because it catered mostly to European backpackers. Their card ma...

Portugal’s system felt smart once I understood it. The Viva Viagem card was cheap (€0.50) and charging it via card machines in Rossio and Cais do Sodr...

Despite being cash-based, Oman’s buses were efficient. I caught a city bus from Muscat City Centre to the Royal Opera for just 0.200 OMR. The driver d...

Skopje’s public buses are quite modern. I used contactless payment at Dizdarica bus station without hassle, and the driver didn’t bat an eye. Topped u...