In 2026, paying by card in a taxi is a mandatory standard in most major global cities, though the specific rules can vary slightly. In London, every licensed black cab is legally required by Transport for London (TfL) to accept credit and debit card payments, including American Express, via a contactless terminal in the passenger compartment. Drivers cannot charge an extra fee for this service. Similarly, in New York City, all yellow and green taxis must have working card readers; if the machine is broken, the driver is technically not supposed to pick up passengers. In Paris, while most "G7" taxis accept cards, some independent drivers may still claim their machine is "broken," so it is always a "pro-traveler" move to ask before you get in. For most European and North American cities, you can use physical cards, Apple Pay, or Google Pay. If you prefer a completely cashless experience, using ride-hailing apps like Uber, Bolt, or Free Now allows you to pay automatically through the app without ever touching a terminal. However, carrying a small amount of local "emergency" cash is still recommended for smaller towns or rural areas where digital payment infrastructure might be less consistent.