Trying to find out if Pakistan widely accepts American Express cards in restaurants and shops and ATMs - any suggestions
Amex isn’t practical in Pakistan. International hotels in big cities may take it, but for meals, shopping, and transport, Visa/Mastercard and cash are essential. ATMs across the country don’t support Amex. Budget PKR 4,000-6,000 daily if including hotels, food, and taxis, and expect none of that to go on Amex. Carry rupees for markets, rickshaws, and local restaurants. Amex is only worth keeping as a backup for very specific situations.
Traveling with Amex in Pakistan was a nightmare. No ATMs worked, and restaurants declined it outright. Even when I asked at mid-range hotels, they preferred cash or Visa. I had to scramble to find another way to pay. For a trip where daily expenses were small but frequent, Amex was dead weight. Pakistan is cash-heavy, and Amex adds unnecessary stress. If you’re going there, leave it at home and carry Visa/Mastercard plus cash.
I had Amex during my trip to Lahore, but it was practically useless. My hotel accepted it, but every restaurant, café, and shop refused. Even bigger chains like supermarkets didn’t take it. ATMs also wouldn’t connect. I switched to my Visa debit card, which worked fine at HBL and MCB ATMs. Pakistan is affordable - I spent about PKR 5,000 a day including meals and transport - but nearly all of it was cash. Don’t bring Amex expecting to use it much here.
American Express has very limited use in Pakistan. A few international hotels in Karachi, Lahore, or Islamabad may accept it, but most restaurants, shops, and ATMs don’t. Visa and Mastercard dominate everywhere. If you’re budgeting PKR 1,000-2,000 for daily meals or PKR 500 for local taxis, expect to pay in cash or use another card. Amex is not widely supported and shouldn’t be relied upon for travel around Pakistan. Always carry cash in rupees and a Visa card.