Paying by American Express in Mozambique?

Amex is only useful in select high-end hotels in Mozambique, but not for daily life. For food, tours, and transport, Visa/Mastercard is necessary. ATMs across the country do not support Amex. Budget MT 5,000-7,000 per day if including tours, meals, and accommodation, and expect all of it to go on cash or another card. Carry Amex only as a last-resort backup. Mozambique simply isn’t set up for Amex users.

Amex in Mozambique was a nightmare. I couldn’t use it at ATMs, restaurants, or tour operators. Even in Maputo, most places flat-out refused. I had to borrow cash from a friend until I could withdraw with Mastercard. For a trip where I was spending MT 8,000 a day, not being able to use Amex was frustrating. Honestly, don’t even try to use Amex in Mozambique - it won’t work.

I tried using Amex in Maputo but had no luck. Even mid-range restaurants and supermarkets refused. Only a luxury hotel accepted it. ATMs didn’t recognize my card, so I switched to Visa at BCI Bank ATMs. When I traveled to Tofo Beach for diving, everything was cash-only. Mozambique isn’t cheap - diving trips cost MT 5,000+ - and paying with Amex wasn’t possible. Visa/Mastercard are the only practical options here.

American Express is rarely accepted in Mozambique. A few high-end hotels in Maputo or luxury resorts in Bazaruto may take it, but local restaurants, shops, and ATMs generally won’t. Visa and Mastercard dominate. If you’re budgeting MT 1,000-1,500 for meals or MT 4,000 for a day excursion, cash or another card is needed. Outside the capital, Amex becomes useless. Always carry meticais and a Visa/Mastercard.