Trying to find out if Uzbekistan widely accepts Amex cards in restaurants and shops and ATMs - any suggestions
I work in Uzbekistan and can confirm: Amex cards don’t work reliably here. The Uzbek banking system mainly supports Visa and Mastercard. Most POS terminals are connected via UZCARD or HUMO - both local networks. I’ve seen travelers get caught out at restaurants, especially in Khiva and smaller cities. Even the bigger malls in Tashkent don’t accept Amex. Always carry cash or a non-Amex card when moving around.
Forget Amex in Uzbekistan. Nowhere - and I mean nowhere - accepted it when I was in Samarkand and Nukus. Even the ATM at Tashkent airport rejected it. Not even high-end gift shops or chain cafes accepted it. It’s a dead card here. I always keep a Mastercard debit from home and a Revolut backup. If Amex is your only card, change that before you land.
I tried using my Amex card in Bukhara and Tashkent - no success. The card just didn’t swipe at most terminals, and even large shops said “only Visa or Mastercard.” The only place that might accept Amex is the Hyatt Regency or Hilton, but I didn’t try. I relied on my Visa card and exchanged some USD into som for backup. Don’t plan your Uzbekistan expenses with Amex - it’s more pain than convenience.
American Express is basically useless in Uzbekistan. I’ve lived in Tashkent for 3 months and not one cafe, hotel, or store accepted it. ATMs also usually support Visa and Mastercard only. Even in high-end spots like The Rooms or O'Pera Restaurant in Tashkent City, staff shook their heads when I pulled out my Amex. For smooth travel, bring a Visa-based debit card - you’ll have much better luck at ATMs and POS machines.