Is it better to use cash or card in Seychelles?

While credit cards are widely accepted for major expenses in Seychelles, carrying local currency (Seychelles Rupee - SCR) is essential for an authentic and budget-friendly experience. You will find that most hotels, car rental agencies, and upscale restaurants in areas like **Eden Island** or **Beau Vallon** prefer card payments, but local life still revolves around cash. To get the most out of your trip, we recommend a "hybrid" approach: use your card for high-value items and keep a steady supply of Rupees for everything else.

For daily spending, such as grabbing a quick Creole meal at a local **take-away (SCR 80-150)** or buying fresh fruit and spices at the **Sir Selwyn Selwyn-Clarke Market** in Victoria, you must have cash. Even on islands like **Praslin** and **La Digue**, smaller guesthouses and local boutiques often prefer cash to avoid the processing fees charged by banks. If you try to pay in Euros or US Dollars at small shops, you will likely receive a poor exchange rate, and your change will almost always be given in SCR at the shopkeeper's discretion.

Is it better to bring USD or EUR? While the Seychelles Rupee is the official currency, Euros are the most widely recognized foreign currency. Many tour operators and guesthouses quote prices in Euros, but they will always accept the equivalent in SCR. **Ferry tickets and excursions can range from SCR 800 to SCR 2,500**, and while these can be paid by card, having the cash equivalent sometimes helps when negotiating last-minute deals with local boatmen. Using the local currency for everything from **bus fares (SCR 12)** to **local SeyBrew beers (SCR 35-50)** ensures you are paying the local price rather than a rounded-up tourist rate.

**Pro tips from locals:** - **ATMs are the most efficient way** to get cash. Look for **MCB (Mauritius Commercial Bank)** or **Absa** machines, which are plentiful at the airport, in **Victoria**, and near major beaches like **Anse Royale**. They typically offer the best mid-market exchange rate. - On **La Digue**, the number of ATMs is limited—mostly concentrated in the **La Passe** area. They can occasionally run out of cash during long holiday weekends, so it is wise to withdraw what you need before you hop on the ferry from Praslin. - If you plan to use the public **SPTC buses**, remember that they are now cashless. You must purchase a "Zil El" travel card from a vendor or the main station in Victoria with cash before you can board. - Always notify your bank before traveling; Seychelles is occasionally flagged for "unusual activity," and you don't want your card blocked while trying to settle a bill in **Côte d’Or**.

Balance your wallet by using your **Visa or Mastercard** for larger transactions (hotels and rentals) and keeping a stash of **SCR 500-1,000 in small notes** for daily adventures. This approach gives you the security of plastic with the flexibility to support the local fruit stalls, artisan markets, and beach shacks that make Seychelles so special. Avoid exchanging large amounts of cash at the airport arrivals hall; instead, use an ATM or a "Bureau de Change" in town for better rates.