Cash or Card? Countries where you still need cash.

[SYD]

I recently visited St Helena and there were only about 3 places on the whole island that accept credit cards (including Mantis Hotel). It’s very much cash-based (pounds sterling) but there are no ATMs on the island, so you need to come prepared.

Also, you need Bank of England banknotes - the Scottish ones I somehow got when withdrawing from an ATM in Scotland were not accepted.

Many businesses also accept payments via an app-based platform called St Helena Tourist Card. You can create an account and load money onto it before your trip, then unload any leftover funds back to your foreign bank account/card at the end of your trip, with no fees. To make a payment you just scan a QR code and then enter the PIN you created when setting up the virtual card.

No that’s one of the more esoteric situations!

I was about to post that the US is still dragging the chain in some situations. A number of bars are still cash only (PITA with high ATM fees) but even some that have switched to card payments still have those silly restaurant style chits where you have to manually sign and write the tip amount - worse, they seem to be applying a tax percentage that you wouldn’t pay with cash…

 

[kpc]

Timor Leste is mainly cash (US$) only. If a credit card is accepted, it isonly Visa card. Mastercard is not accepted. Leave the Amex at home!

 

[SYD]

Timor Leste is mainly cash (US$) only. If a credit card is accepted, it isonly Visa card. Mastercard is not accepted. Leave the Amex at home!

Do leave home without it!