Trying to find out if South Africa widely accepts Amex cards in restaurants and shops and ATMs - any suggestions
I used Amex in Cape Town at my hotel and at a fine dining restaurant on the V&A Waterfront. But when I tried local markets, smaller restaurants, and safari lodge payments, they all wanted Visa/Mastercard. ATMs refused Amex, so I relied on my Mastercard at FNB and Standard Bank machines. South Africa isn’t too expensive - I spent ZAR 1,000-1,500 daily including meals, tours, and transport - but Amex covered very little of it. Better to carry multiple cards.
Living in South Africa full-time, I’ve noticed Amex works mostly in premium places - think high-end restaurants, airport duty-free, or luxury shops. But for everyday spending, especially in local cafés, taxis, or shops, it’s not commonly accepted. Some ATMs allow Amex withdrawals, but not all - Capitec, for example, didn’t recognize mine. If you’re traveling here, use Amex as a backup rather than your primary card.
Tried to use Amex at a couple of backpacker bars in Durban and got shut down both times. Even some restaurants in Cape Town's city centre didn’t take it. It worked fine at the airport and one big chain store, but otherwise, no luck. I ended up relying on my Mastercard. If you’ve only got Amex, you’ll be limited. Definitely worth carrying a second card with better acceptance.
In Joburg and Stellenbosch, my Amex worked at big-name restaurants and hotel chains, but local spots often said “not supported.” A few boutiques took it, but I got declined at a pharmacy and a car rental desk. ATM withdrawals were hit-or-miss - I eventually switched to my Visa debit. South Africa has decent card infrastructure, but Amex just isn’t as widely accepted, especially outside major tourist zones. Bring a Visa or Mastercard for peace of mind.