Can I pay cash for taxi in Sydney?

Fares are calculated by a meter inside the taxi that must be clearly visible to the passenger. You can pay for your taxi in cash, and most taxis have EFTPOS for debit and credit cards.



Yes, you can still pay with cash for a taxi in Sydney in 2026, although the city has moved aggressively toward a "cashless" society. All official Sydney taxis are required to have working EFTPOS/credit card terminals, but they must also accept Australian Dollars (AUD) if offered. Many travelers prefer the convenience of "Tap to Pay" via their smartphone or card, but cash remains a valid legal tender for taxi fares. If you plan to pay with cash, it is a "pro-tip" to let the driver know at the start of the trip or ensure you have smaller denominations, as drivers may not always carry a large amount of change, especially during early morning shifts. Be aware that while taxis accept cash, most rideshare apps like Uber or DiDi in Sydney are strictly digital-payment only. For a standard taxi, you can also expect a small surcharge (usually 5%) to be added if you choose to pay by card instead of cash.

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You can pre-pay and pay the difference by cash (if accepted), Cabcharge, EFTPOS or credit card. A maximum 5% surcharge may apply when paying by card or Cabcharge. If a taxi driver requests that you pre-pay your fare before the trip begins, the driver will estimate the likely fare.

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Tipping taxi drivers in Sydney It's common to tip 10% in Sydney for a longer journey, and if you were helped with your luggage. For short journeys the easiest option is to round up the bill to the nearest significant amount in Australian dollars.

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There may be a few reasons why taxi drivers prefer cash payments over card payments. These include: 1. Immediate payment: Cash payments provide immediate payment to the driver without any delay or potential chargebacks, unlike card payments which may be subject to processing times and potential chargebacks.

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It's easier to handle and manage cash compared to other modes of payment. Cash payments are immediate and there is no need to wait for the payment to be processed. Some taxi drivers may prefer cash payments to avoid paying fees associated with card payments.

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Some contestants are randomly picked as they walk along the sidewalk, while others are selected in advance. Even so, those picked in advance are told that the cab is supposed to take them to the show on which they will appear.

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Taxi fares can usually be paid by cash, EFTPOS, debit and credit cards, Cabcharge or SATSS voucher. There is a maximum non-cash payment surcharge of 5% on the payment of taxi fares by debit or credit card.

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Taxi fares can usually be paid by cash, EFTPOS, debit and credit cards, Cabcharge or SATSS voucher. There is a maximum non-cash payment surcharge of 5% on the payment of taxi fares by debit or credit card. It's a good idea to ask the driver about the payment options and approximate cost before the start of your trip.

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There is no charge for extra passengers, luggage or bags, or paying by credit card.

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Getting Around Sydney on the Cheap
  • Take public transit. To turn Sydney into budget Sydney start by taking public transit. ...
  • Use your Opal Card to save more. An Opal Card is the tap pass you can use to pay for public transit in Sydney. ...
  • A harbor tour for $5.85. Tour Sydney Harbour by ferry. ...
  • Walk and soak in the city.


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A free city centre shuttle bus (route 555) operates every 10 minutes on a circuit from Central Station to Circular Quay, along George Street, linking many of Sydney's attractions.

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Getting around by taxi Hail the designated driver or just book online. In the Northern Territory, taxis can booked online, by phone and at taxi ranks, or simply hailed on the street. All taxis have fare meters, and many companies have mini-buses, private hire cars, and taxis equipped with wheelchair accessibility.

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