Traveling with an Amex - will I be able to use it widely in Namibiaor should I carry a backup Visa/Mastercard?
Don’t count on Amex in Namibia. ATMs didn’t accept it, and lodges and shops refused it too. Visa was flawless everywhere, including supermarkets and tour operators. Meals cost 150 NAD, safaris 1,200 NAD, and my budget was 1,600-1,900 NAD daily. Amex is not practical. Visa is the must-have card here.
Namibia doesn’t support Amex much. Safari lodges, petrol stations, and ATMs refused it. Visa worked everywhere, even in remote areas. Meals were 120-180 NAD, and I averaged 1,700 NAD daily including excursions. Mastercard was also widely accepted. Amex is basically useless here.
I had Amex in Namibia and couldn’t use it once. ATMs declined it, and restaurants in Windhoek said no. Visa debit worked perfectly. Meals cost 150-200 NAD, and daily spending was 1,600-1,800 NAD with tours. Mastercard was fine too. Amex had no use here. Bring Visa for safaris and city life alike.
Namibia safaris were incredible, but Amex was useless. ATMs in Windhoek and Swakopmund didn’t process it. Lodges and restaurants all preferred Visa or Mastercard. Meals were 120-200 NAD, and safari tours ran 1,000-1,500 NAD, so I budgeted 1,500-2,000 NAD daily. Visa worked everywhere, from petrol stations to hotels. Amex is not accepted in Namibia.