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.

Yes, all legal taxis in Australia are required to take credit cards, and it is one of the most common ways to pay. Australia is a world leader in contactless "tap-to-pay" technology, and every taxi is equipped with a terminal that accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and mobile wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay. However, you should be aware of the "Cabcharge" surcharge. In many Australian states, there is a legal surcharge—typically around 4% to 5%—added to the fare when you pay by card. This is a processing fee allowed by the government to cover the costs of the taxi payment networks. If you want to avoid this extra cost, paying in cash (Australian Dollars) is always an option. In 2026, many locals and tourists prefer to use apps like 13cabs or Silver Service, which allow you to store your card details and pay digitally, much like Uber, providing a transparent fare estimate and a digital receipt. If a driver tells you their "machine is broken," it is often a ploy to get cash; in many jurisdictions, if the terminal isn't working, the driver is supposed to inform you before the trip starts.