Trying to find out if Central African Republic widely accepts Amex cards in restaurants and shops and ATMs - any suggestions
If you’re heading to CAR, it’s smart to bring a backup. Ecobank (e.g., branches on Avenue de l’Indépendance or Quartier Aviation) may now accept AmEx-both in stores and ATMs-but many restaurants or hotels, especially outside central areas, still reject it. Have a Visa or Mastercard and some CFA francs on hand for markets, small restaurants, or rural spots. The infrastructure is just catching up-you don’t want to be stranded.
When I first walked into a café in Gobongo, I tried paying with AmEx-no luck. But later, at a mid-range restaurant near the airport, the Ecobank till surprisingly took it. I learned that Ecobank branches around Bangui Central may scan AmEx, but most mom-and-pop shops and taxi stands are cash only. Since acceptance via Ecobank is very new, a lot depends on how modern the business is. Always good to bring a little cash ready.
I stayed at Hotel Ledger Plaza and was pleasantly surprised when the front desk accepted my AmEx card-seems new thanks to expanded Ecobank support. The ATM inside that branch even let me withdraw cash with AmEx (Visa and MC also worked fine). But when I ventured into downtown or visited Marché Central, AmEx wasn’t accepted, so I used cash. It’s improving, but still limited mainly to larger, international-facing venues.
In Bangui, American Express is starting to pop up thanks to Ecobank’s new partnership, but it’s still very rare. Ecobank’s Avenue Boganda location may accept AmEx at some POS terminals, and their ATMs might work, but most hotels, restaurants in the PK5 area, and markets only take Visa, Mastercard, or cash. Don’t assume AmEx will go through-carry a backup card or CFA francs instead.