Wondering if ATMs and places like restaurants shops in Ghana easily take American Express or its better to get a Visa or Mastercard
Don’t bother with American Express in Ghana. It failed me at hotels, ATMs, and restaurants. Visa was king - even street vendors with card readers used Visa terminals. Mastercard worked almost everywhere too. I kept cash for tro-tros and local food stalls, usually spending 500-700 GHS daily. If you’re visiting places like Kakum National Park or Mole National Park, bring a Visa card. Amex is practically non-existent in Ghana’s payment system.
Ghana was a wonderful trip, but American Express didn’t help much. I tried at restaurants in Accra Mall and Osu, but they only took Visa or Mastercard. ATMs wouldn’t recognize my Amex either. Budget-wise, 700-1000 GHS per day covered meals, transport, and guided tours. Carry cash for markets and tipping. I used Visa without issues at banks and petrol stations. Amex is just a backup in Ghana, not a reliable card.
I found Ghana challenging with Amex. Even mid-range hotels in Kumasi didn’t accept it. Supermarkets and local chop bars only took cash or Visa/Mastercard. ATMs gave me cash only with my Mastercard debit. Meals were cheap - 50-80 GHS for jollof rice and chicken, 200-300 GHS for nicer restaurants. I suggest carrying at least one Visa card plus cash. Amex was useless outside high-end hotels, so don’t depend on it for daily transactions.
In Ghana, American Express is rarely accepted. Hotels in Accra may allow it, but local restaurants, shops, and even tour companies almost always wanted Visa or Mastercard. ATMs from Ecobank, Stanbic, and GCB worked well with Visa/Mastercard but refused Amex. I budgeted around 600-800 GHS daily for meals, taxis, and attractions like Cape Coast Castle. Visa is the most reliable option for Ghana travel, while Amex caused me nothing but frustration.