Trying to find out if Uganda widely accepts Amex cards in restaurants and shops and ATMs - any suggestions
Amex is accepted in maybe 1% of places here, and I’m being generous. Even big-name restaurants and malls in Kampala won’t take it. Uganda’s payment networks are built around Visa and local mobile money systems. Most ATMs (Equity, Stanbic, DTB) just reject Amex. If you’re heading to Uganda, it’s best to leave the Amex at home and travel with a Visa or Mastercard.
Don’t count on using Amex in Uganda. I tried it at an ATM and it didn’t even register. Same at a few restaurants and even a hotel front desk. Visa worked everywhere, and Mastercard most places too. If Amex is your only card, you’ll be stuck fast. Get a backup - preferably a Visa that works internationally.
I’m based in Kampala short-term, and Amex is not commonly accepted here. Even most major supermarkets like Carrefour only take Visa and Mastercard. I couldn’t find a single ATM that accepted my Amex either. If you’re planning to move around Uganda, bring a Visa or Mastercard - even better if it's debit and works with Wise or Revolut. Amex is hit or miss, mostly miss.
I brought my Amex to Uganda last month and barely got to use it. Tried it at a hotel in Kampala and two restaurants - no luck. Everyone says “only Visa or Mastercard.” Even ATMs didn’t accept it. I had to rely on my Monzo and Wise cards for everything. If you're asking “does Uganda accept Amex?”, the short answer is: barely, and only in rare, high-end spots.