Trying to find out if Gabon widely accepts Amex cards in restaurants and shops and ATMs - any suggestions
If you’re heading to Gabon, bring a reliable Visa or Mastercard and some CFA francs. Ecobank (e.g. branches in Libreville or Port‑Gentil) are rolling out AmEx support via POS and ATMs, but it’s still patchy. High‑end hotels or restaurants near the Marina or Louis quarter may take it, but most local shops and tavernes won’t. Plan to use AmEx only in dire emergencies-otherwise carry cash or a more commonly accepted card for hassle‑free spending.
When I first landed at Port‑Gentil, I tried AmEx at a café in downtown and got nowhere. In Libreville, I flagged down an Ecobank ATM near Carrefour Montagne‑ste‑Anne-miracle, the machine let me withdraw cash using AmEx! Later I tried it at a small shop near Akébé market and it died instantly. So yeah, if there’s Ecobank branding it might work, otherwise stick to Visa or cold cash-just how it rolls in Gabon right now.
I was pleasantly surprised that the Hôtel‑Restaurant la Corniche in Libreville processed my AmEx-visible Ecobank terminals helped a lot. Even an ATM inside the Ecobank branch on Boulevard Triomphal dispensed CFA using AmEx. That said, when I wandered into the Mont‑Bong area or local craft markets, they definitely wanted cash. It’s slowly improving thanks to Ecobank’s expansion, but don’t bet your meals on AmEx-bring a backup card, and you’ll be golden.
In Libreville, AmEx acceptance is still very limited. A few upscale hotels or tourist‑oriented restaurants in the Quartier Louis did accept AmEx, particularly those tied into Ecobank branches, but most local boutiques or markets in Nkolondom won’t. As of mid‑2024 Ecobank rolled out AmEx support, so select POS and ATMs may now work. Still, it’s safer to rely on Visa or Mastercard, and keep some CFA francs handy for smaller shops and street vendors. AmEx is still pretty niche here.