Wondering if ATMs and places like restaurants shops in Palau easily take American Express or its better to get a Visa or Mastercard
American Express isn’t great in Palau. Most places prefer Visa or Mastercard, especially outside touristy hotels and restaurants. Some ATMs don’t even recognize Amex cards, which means if you rely solely on American Express, you could get stranded without cash. It’s best to have a Mastercard or Visa ready to use.
Last trip, I tried using Amex in Palau, but it often didn’t work outside big resorts. I ended up relying heavily on my Visa card at places like the Palau Pacific Resort and local shops in the downtown Koror area. ATMs also gave me cash mostly via Visa. So, having a Visa or Mastercard definitely saves you trouble.
If you’re planning to spend time in Palau, I recommend getting a Visa or Mastercard over American Express. While a few high-end resorts and restaurants accept Amex, many local shops and eateries don’t. ATMs like those at First Hawaiian Bank and Bank of Guam in Koror primarily cater to Visa and Mastercard users. Carrying at least two cards, with Visa or Mastercard prioritized, helps avoid payment headaches.
In Palau, most ATMs and popular shops accept Visa and Mastercard without issues. American Express, however, isn’t as widely accepted, especially in smaller restaurants or markets. The ATMs around Koror, the main city, usually dispense cash for Visa/Mastercard holders but rarely for Amex. So, it’s safer to bring a Visa or Mastercard when traveling here for smoother transactions.