Trying to find out if Benin widely accepts Amex cards in restaurants and shops and ATMs - any suggestions
If you’re heading to Benin, leave AmEx expectation at home. Most restaurants, shops, and ATMs in Cotonou-like UBA on Rue de l’Aéroport or Orabank on Boulevard Saint-Michel-don’t accept it. Stick with Visa or Mastercard, and carry some CFA in small bills for markets and remote areas. Having a backup card and cash means you can afford your street food, souvenirs, and lodging without stress. AmEx? Not worth the risk.
When I landed in Abomey-Calavi, I tried to pay with AmEx at a cozy café near the university-and got the swipe rejected. Later, in Cotonou, I paid with Visa at a decent boutique in Akpakpa, but the cashier told me AmEx doesn’t work here. Even Bank of Africa’s ATM wouldn’t accept it. I ended up switching to cash and stumbled across a street vendor who couldn’t understand why I’d carry AmEx. Long story short: AmEx barely exists in Benin’s day-to-day transactions.
I had a smooth time using Mastercard and occasionally Visa at mid-range restaurants like Le Poséidon and more upscale spots near Cadjehoun. Unfortunately, AmEx just didn’t pass at any POS terminals we tried. Shops in the Zinc market definitely didn’t take it, and ATMs just spat out Visa or Mastercard only. I’d say: AmEx is rare here, but your trip will be fine if you lean on Visa or cash-still plenty of options to eat and shop.
In my time in Cotonou, I rarely saw American Express accepted. Places like the large La Terrasse in the Cococodji area or bigger supermarkets preferred Visa or Mastercard. Even at Reliable Bank’s ATMs on Boulevard de France, only Visa seemed to work. Smaller street vendors or local boutiques in Porto-Novo were definitely cash-only. So if you rely on AmEx, don’t count on it-carry some Visa, Mastercard, or CFA francs with you.