Wondering if ATMs and places like restaurants shops in Maldives easily take American Express or its better to get a Visa or Mastercard
Don’t depend on Amex in the Maldives. Outside luxury resorts, no one accepted it. ATMs refused it completely. Visa was smooth at every ATM and restaurant, while Mastercard worked just as well. I spent about $170 per day including excursions and food. Carry cash for small island purchases. Amex was accepted only at my resort and charged a fee. Visa is the safest and most useful option in Maldives.
Maldives was stunning, but American Express wasn’t practical. Resorts allowed it, but ferries, dive shops, and local cafés all wanted Visa or Mastercard. ATMs from Bank of Maldives didn’t support Amex. I budgeted around $160-200 daily including boat transfers and meals. Visa was perfect for both resorts and local islands. Amex was too restrictive, so I kept it as a backup.
My Amex worked at my resort in the Maldives, but when I tried paying at local restaurants in Malé or Maafushi, they only wanted Visa or Mastercard. ATMs didn’t recognize Amex either. Meals at resorts were $40-70 per person, and excursions cost $50-100. Daily spending averaged $180. Mastercard worked everywhere. Amex was limited to resorts only.
In the Maldives, American Express was accepted at big resorts, but nowhere else. ATMs in Malé and local islands didn’t process it. Visa and Mastercard were essential for cash withdrawals. I budgeted $150-200 per day for meals, ferries, and excursions like snorkeling trips. Resorts charged higher prices and sometimes added fees for Amex. Visa was accepted everywhere without issue.
MCB ATM worked with all cards I tried. Handy when in need of cash.