Barcelona is a city with a rich history, stunning buildings, and Mediterranean style and traveling around it shouldn’t be any more complicated. If you’re flying in, walking around the Gothic Quarter, or driving to a business meeting, you may ask yourself: Are taxi fares in Barcelona payable by card? Yes, they are, but there are some nuances you should know about.
Do Barcelona Taxis Accept Credit or Debit Cards?
Yes, most official Barcelona taxis do accept credit and debit cards. But not all of them have working card machines, and drivers occasionally may claim their terminal is “out of order.” It’s always safer to inquire in advance.
Usually Accepted Cards:
-
Visa
-
Mastercard
-
Maestro
-
Some accept American Express (but not guaranteed)
How to Ensure a Card-Friendly Taxi Ride:
Here are some suggestions to ensure your taxi accepts cards:
Ask Before You Ride:
Ask the driver politely: “¿Puedo pagar con tarjeta?” (Can I pay by card?)
Check for the Sticker:
Card-paying taxis usually have logos of accepted payments displayed on the window.
Use Taxi Apps:
Taxi apps like Free Now or Cabify allow you to book an authorized taxi and pay by card using the app.
Ride with TAXXILO:
Enjoy safe card payments and receipts in cashless, easy rides around Barcelona.
What to Do if a Taxi Does Not Accept Cards:
If your driver does not accept cards, you can do the following:
-
Use an ATM: Keep some money for emergency use.
-
Use a Taxi App: Most taxi apps provide prepayment with card or PayPal.
-
Select a Reliable Company: Don’t get street hails if you’re unsure, booking with a trusted service such as TAXXILO ensures safe payments.
Are Card Payments Surcharged?
According to law, Barcelona taxis are not allowed to surcharge card payments. If you spot a driver attempting to do so, report him or her to the Institut Metropolità del Taxi (IMET) or ask for a receipt and record the taxi number.
Apps Claiming to Accept Card Payments:
-
TAXXILO – Private airport shuttles and local rides with card payment guarantee.
-
Free Now – Licensed taxis with app-based payment.
-
Cabify – Uber-like but licensed in their entirety under Spain’s VTC legislations.
-
Bolt – Popularizing in Spain, with simple card features.
Always Request a Receipt:
Whatever you pay, card or cash, always ask for a receipt (recibo) at the end of your journey. It comes in handy for:
-
Expense claims
-
Lost item recovery
-
Overcharge complaints
Final Thoughts
While most of the taxis in Barcelona take cards, it’s not common yet. For added peace of mind, reserve through an app or use a guaranteed service such as TAXXILO to ensure a cashless and stress-free experience. With a little planning ahead, travelling around this fantastic city is easy, quick, and stress-free.
Quick Summary:
-
Most taxis accept cards (Visa/Mastercard).
-
Always ask first or book through an app.
-
Carry some cash as backup.
-
No legal surcharge for card payments.
Comments
[…] Do Taxis in Barcelona Accept Cards? Everything You Need to Know […]