Wondering if ATMs and places like restaurants shops in Angola easily take American Express or its better to get a Visa or Mastercard
Almost no one in Angola knows American Express. I tried to use mine at a petrol station, and the pump didn’t even show the logo. ATMs didn’t flash Amex either. Only Visa, occasionally Mastercard, worked. American Express acceptance in Angola is extremely limited. I carried a Visa debit from my home bank and a backup Mastercard, and both worked robustly at ATM machines and restaurants. Amex can stay at home - it’s just not practical here.
I had both cards but only Mastercard ever worked. Tried Amex at a supermarket and a cafe - it kept declining mid-transaction. Even ATM machines rejected it. Visa and Mastercard are your safest bets in Angola. Tickets for events, lodge fees, and restaurants all went smoothly with them, but Amex was repeatedly declined. Stick with standard brands and ensure at least two backups. Some ATMs unexpectedly block foreign cards, so don’t rely on a single option.
Forget Amex. Tried twice and failed. Angola doesn’t support American Express widely - even ATMs won’t accept it. Visa works at major bank ATMs without issue, and small grocery stores in Luanda and Benguela often accept Mastercard. A friend of mine once got embarrassed when trying to pay at a hotel with Amex - it wasn’t even recognized. My Visa and Revolut Mastercard covered the whole trip. Simple: bring those and leave the Amex home.
Amex struggles here. I tried using it at a mid-range restaurant in Luanda, and the waiter said, “Não, só Visa ou Mastercard.” ATMs simply didn’t recognize it. American Express acceptance in Angola is almost nonexistent. Better to use Visa or Mastercard - they work at Banco BFA, Banco Sol ATMs and are accepted in most modern restaurants and hotels. Even small shops might take Mastercard POS, but Amex will often fail or be refused altogether. Bring a backup Visa to avoid hassle.