Traveling with an Amex - will I be able to use it widely in Samoaor should I carry a backup Visa/Mastercard?
I'd advise against relying on your Amex. The banking infrastructure in Samoa is more geared toward Visa and Mastercard, which are widely accepted at ATMs and EFTPOS machines. While some major hotels might take Amex, you'll find that many small vendors, especially at local markets and beaches, only accept cash. My friend had a hard time with their Amex, so stick to Visa and Mastercard.
Yes and no. Amex is accepted in some tourist spots, but you will definitely need a backup. I was on a trip there last year, and while my Amex was fine at the bigger resorts, I relied on my Visa card for almost everything else. I also had a lot of cash, which you'll need for buses and paying for tours. The best strategy is to have both cards and use a Visa or Mastercard for ATM withdrawals.
Bring a backup, for sure. I was just there last month, and while I saw the Amex logo at some of the bigger places in Apia, a lot of smaller shops and restaurants only accepted cash or Visa/Mastercard. Plus, I don’t think I saw a single ATM that accepted my Amex. My advice is to have a Visa or Mastercard as your primary card, and a good amount of Samoan Tala cash for all the little purchases.
You'll be able to use your Amex in Samoa, but you definitely need a backup Visa or Mastercard. In Apia, the capital, major hotels like the Sheraton and some tourist-focused restaurants accept Amex. However, once you venture out of the city to places like Savai'i, or for small purchases and entry fees at attractions, cash is king. Visa and Mastercard are much more widely accepted by local shops and for ATM withdrawals at banks like ANZ and National Bank of Samoa.