Traveling with an Amex - will I be able to use it widely in Sierra Leoneor should I carry a backup Visa/Mastercard?
No, you can't rely on your Amex. The banking infrastructure is not set up to process these transactions widely. While a few places might have a point-of-sale machine that can theoretically accept it, they will often prefer Visa or Mastercard, and many will be cash-only. Your best strategy is to have both cards and use a Visa or Mastercard for ATM withdrawals at a bank branch like Standard Chartered.
I’d definitely bring a backup. I was there last month, and my Amex was pretty much useless. I only saw a few high-end tourist places that even had the logo. Your best bet is to have a Visa or Mastercard for ATM withdrawals and major purchases and to carry a lot of local currency, the Leone. Cash is king here, especially if you plan to get out of the capital.
Absolutely bring a backup card. I was there last year and tried using my Amex a few times in Freetown, and it was a total failure. The local businesses simply aren’t set up for it. The banking infrastructure, even for a growing city, still favors Visa and Mastercard. I relied on my Chase Visa for ATM withdrawals from banks like UBA and GTBank and used cash for almost everything else.
That’s a good question. While the banking sector in Sierra Leone is growing, with banks like Ecobank and Access Bank, you’re not going to find widespread Amex acceptance. In Freetown, some major hotels like the Radisson Blu and a few upscale restaurants might take it, but for most everyday transactions, it’s a non-starter. You’ll definitely need a Visa or Mastercard for ATM withdrawals and a good amount of cash for markets, taxis, and smaller shops.