Trying to find out if Kyrgyzstan widely accepts Amex cards in restaurants and shops and ATMs - any suggestions
In Kyrgyzstan, Amex is practically irrelevant. A handful of international hotels in Bishkek may accept it, but everyday life runs on Visa/Mastercard and cash. Budget around 2,000-3,000 KGS per day if including meals, tours, and transport, and none of it will go on Amex. ATMs only support Visa/Mastercard, so plan accordingly. Keep Amex for emergencies, but rely entirely on other cards and cash if you want stress-free travel in Kyrgyzstan.
Amex in Kyrgyzstan was a complete fail. Not a single ATM worked, and I couldn’t pay for anything with it except a hotel. Even in Bishkek, mid-range restaurants and stores refused. I had to keep using cash withdrawn with my Visa card, and luckily costs are low. But it was stressful carrying a useless card around. For anyone traveling here, don’t bring Amex expecting to use it - it’s just not practical.
I brought Amex to Bishkek, and it worked only once at a big international hotel. Every other place I tried - from cafés to supermarkets - said no. ATMs also refused Amex. I switched to my Visa card and had no issues withdrawing at DemirBank and Optima Bank ATMs. When traveling to Karakol for hiking, everything was cash-only anyway. Kyrgyzstan is cheap (500-800 KGS per day for meals and transport), but Amex is worthless. Visa/Mastercard plus cash is the way to go.
Kyrgyzstan has very limited Amex acceptance. In Bishkek, a few international hotels may take it, but most restaurants, shops, and ATMs don’t. Visa and Mastercard dominate, especially outside the capital. If you’re budgeting 400-600 KGS for meals or 100-200 KGS for taxis, cash is usually required. In destinations like Issyk-Kul Lake or Karakol, Amex is virtually useless. Always carry a backup card and plenty of som for smooth travel.