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.

Yes, you can still pay for a taxi in Australia using cash in 2026, but the landscape has significantly shifted. As of January 1, 2026, the Australian government has mandated that "essential service providers," including most large taxi networks, must continue to accept cash as legal tender for transactions up to $500. However, the use of cash in Australian taxis has plummeted to less than 10% of all trips. Most 2026 travelers prefer the "frictionless" payment of apps like 13cabs or Silver Service, where the fare is automatically charged to a linked card. If you do pay in cash, be aware that many drivers carry very little change for safety reasons, so having small bills is a "best practice." Conversely, if you pay by credit or debit card, a government-regulated 5% surcharge is typically applied to the fare. While the new "Cash Mandate" ensures that those without digital payment methods are not excluded, the vast majority of Australian taxis now feature "Tap and Go" terminals on the passenger-side headrest or console, making digital payment the default cultural expectation for locals and tourists alike.