Wondering if ATMs and places like restaurants shops in Niger easily take American Express or its better to get a Visa or Mastercard
From my time in Niamey-forget Amex, it’s basically useless. Tried it twice, zero luck. Visa worked at Ecobank ATM downtown, and I used it at a restaurant in Plateau. Mastercard worked at one machine but not another, so it’s hit or miss. Day-to-day, cash is the way. Taxis, markets, even most restaurants want CFA francs. I ended up carrying a stash of cash and topping up at the bank ATMs whenever they were online. If you’ve only got Amex, you’ll be stuck-bring Visa for sure and some backup cash.
Niger is very cash-based, and card acceptance is limited. Don’t expect to use American Express anywhere-neither ATMs nor shops accept it. Even Mastercard has spotty success. Visa is the only card that works with some regularity at ATMs in Niamey, especially Ecobank or BIA Niger. Shops, restaurants, and smaller hotels outside the capital are cash only. Also, ATMs can run out of money or have connection issues, so withdraw when you can and don’t leave it till the last minute. Always carry CFA francs in cash for taxis, food, and markets.
I was in Niamey last month and had good luck using my Visa debit card. The Ecobank ATM near Kennedy Bridge worked fine, and I also paid with Visa at a couple of mid-range restaurants. My Mastercard credit card worked at one ATM but failed at another. I asked about Amex at the Radisson Blu hotel, and they told me it wasn’t accepted. Honestly though, I managed well with Visa and a mix of CFA cash. Niger isn’t as difficult as I expected, but definitely not a place to rely on Amex.
In Niger, American Express won’t help you much. ATMs in Niamey at banks like Ecobank, BIA Niger, and Banque Atlantique usually accept Visa, and sometimes Mastercard. I didn’t find a single ATM that worked with Amex. Restaurants, hotels, and shops in the capital prefer cash, but some larger places will swipe Visa. Outside Niamey it’s strictly cash in CFA francs. My advice: bring a Visa card for withdrawals, a Mastercard as backup, and enough cash to cover your trips outside the city. Amex is not practical here at all.