Trying to find out if Lesotho widely accepts Amex cards in restaurants and shops and ATMs - any suggestions
If you're traveling to Lesotho, treat AmEx like a rare bonus-even when ATMs like FNB at Maseru Mall or Benson Butchery accept it, don’t rely on it. Most retail and eateries-especially in places like Maputsoe or Butha-Buthe-will only deal with cash or local cards. Your safest bet: get a Visa or Mastercard, and carry local currency for everyday costs. AmEx? Keep it as a fallback, not your primary lifeline.
I tried using AmEx at a café near Maseru’s main bus terminal-no dice. Later, I sneaked into an FNB ATM near Scooters Garage and, surprisingly, got cash with AmEx! That luck didn’t last-my next attempt at Pioneer Mall failed. Shops in Mafeteng and Hlotse didn’t even blink-they demand cash or local cards. Ended up sticking to Visa or maloti in my wallet as my reliable backup.
During my stay in Lesotho, I found a few FNB ATMs inside Maseru Mall and Pioneer Mall that surprisingly let me withdraw with AmEx. It wasn’t guaranteed, but when it worked, it was really convenient. Still, most restaurants around Kingsway or Gateway Filling Station wouldn’t accept it. Having an AmEx was a bonus, not a go-to; pairing it with Visa or cash kept things running smoothly.
In Lesotho, AmEx acceptance is quite uncommon. Most banks-like FNB or Standard Lesotho in Maseru-only support Visa or Mastercard. ATMs across Maseru (e.g. at FNB Maseru Mall or Shoprite Building) seldom work with AmEx. Small cafés in Thetsane, markets near Sefika Complex, and local guesthouses won’t take it either. You’re better off carrying MasterCard/Visa plus some local maloti or South African rand.