Can you pay by card everywhere in Seychelles, or should you bring cash?

From messages by 3 participants in 1 source · Last activity: 63 days ago

TL;DR

Cards are accepted at many hotels, supermarkets, and tourist businesses in Seychelles, but not everywhere: keep some cash in SCR or newer USD for small shops, markets, ferries, taxis, and remote islands. Older US dollar notes may be refused for exchange, and you generally cannot top up a foreign bank card through a local ATM.

What the community said

One traveler noted that a bank card in Chinese yuan works well in Seychelles (as well as in Mauritius) — it was accepted almost everywhere for payments.

yuan-denominated card

Recent traveler feedback suggests cards work for hotels, car rentals, larger restaurants, and supermarkets, but it is still smart to carry some Seychellois rupees for smaller day-to-day expenses.

SCR

Travelers bringing cash recommend newer US dollar notes, as older bills may be refused or exchanged at a worse rate. A practical backup is to carry newer 50–100 USD notes plus some local rupees.

newer USD notes

Do not rely on Seychelles ATMs to top up a foreign bank card: they are generally for cash withdrawals, not cash deposits to overseas cards. If you need a buffer, bring cash or fund your account before flying.

ATMs in Seychelles