Wondering if ATMs and places like restaurants shops in Tuvalu easily take American Express or its better to get a Visa or Mastercard
Tuvalu’s banking and card infrastructure is limited. American Express is basically useless here, and Visa or Mastercard are your best bets but even then, don’t expect wide acceptance. The ANZ ATM is probably the only convenient cash point, so bring cash with you just in case.
The few times I needed cash in Tuvalu, I used my Visa card at the ANZ ATM in Funafuti. American Express wasn’t accepted anywhere including shops and restaurants. The economy works mostly on cash, so having enough Australian dollars and a Visa card made things easier.
If you’re headed to Tuvalu, make sure your cards are Visa or Mastercard since Amex acceptance is practically nonexistent. ATMs are extremely rare, mostly found at ANZ Bank fun Funafuti island. Cash is essential for most purchases, especially outside the capital, so planning ahead with dollars and cards is a smart move.
In Tuvalu, Visa and Mastercard are the go-to cards accepted in the few banks and shops around Funafuti. American Express is almost never accepted here. Since there are very few ATMs-most at Funafuti’s ANZ branch-and cash is widely used, it’s best to bring a Visa or Mastercard and carry enough Tuvaluan dollars or Australian dollars in cash.