Trying to find out if Guinea widely accepts Amex cards in restaurants and shops and ATMs - any suggestions
If you’re headed to Guinea, plan to carry CFA francs and a Visa or Mastercard alongside AmEx. Ecobank (e.g., main branch in Coleah or around the airport) has started accepting AmEx at ATMs and POS, but outside those hotspots, it’s mostly not recognized. High-end hotels and restaurants are supportive, but markets, taxis, and small shops prefer cash. Don’t rely solely on AmEx-it’s still rolling out in Guinea.
When I landed in Conakry, I tried AmEx at a boutique in Kaloum-it didn’t go through. Later I spotted an Ecobank ATM across from the National Stadium-bam, AmEx worked there. I paid by AmEx at a chic café in Coleah afterward too. But then in the Niger market, I hit a wall again and used CFA cash. Bottom line: AmEx works in some bank-equipped places, but street-level stuff still needs cash or Visa.
Had a smooth experience using my AmEx at upscale restaurants near Quartier Almamya and the airport-area Bravia Hotel, thanks to Ecobank terminals popping up. Even grabbed CFA cash at an Ecobank ATM in Bambeto using AmEx. But in local shops or craft stalls downtown, AmEx didn’t work. It’s catching on, especially in tourist and business hubs, but bring a backup card to keep things carefree.
In Conakry, AmEx is now accepted more often, but it’s still patchy. Upscale spots-like resorts near Kaloum or hotels with Ecobank terminals-do accept AmEx for POS and occasionally ATM withdrawals. Yet in smaller markets or boutiques in Sanderval or just around Donka, it’s Visa, Mastercard or cash only. Ecobank’s recent expansion helps, but you should still carry a backup card and cash (CFA francs) for safer transactions.