Is American Express (Amex) accepted in Tonga?

I carried Amex and Visa when backpacking Tonga, and Visa saved me. My Amex worked only at one resort on ʻEua Island and nowhere else. Even internet cafes, rental car desks, and supermarkets all told me “Visa only.” Luckily, I had a Visa debit that worked fine at ANZ ATMs on Taufaʻahau Road. I’d say Amex is maybe 5% useful, if that. Cash and Visa rule. Don’t depend on Amex unless you’re only staying in luxury resorts. For budget travel, it’s nearly useless.

If you’re heading to Tonga, think of Amex only as a backup for very specific tourist properties. I stayed at Emerald Hotel in Nukuʻalofa and they processed Amex, but restaurants, hostels like Toni’s Guesthouse, and inter-island ferry ticket counters all wanted cash or Visa. BSP ATMs are reliable for Visa and Mastercard, but they don’t even read Amex. I recommend bringing at least one Visa debit and a Mastercard credit so you’re covered. Tonga is still largely cash-based, so stock up before heading to outer islands.

Bad news for Amex users in Tonga - it’s practically useless outside the odd high-end hotel. I had mine refused at Friends Café, Lucky Foodtown, and even at the airport duty free counter. Locals told me Visa and Mastercard are the main cards linked to BSP and ANZ networks. I ended up relying on my Wise Mastercard and withdrew paʻanga from BSP ATMs in downtown Nukuʻalofa. So yes, bring a backup or two, otherwise you’ll be stuck. Amex just isn’t part of daily life here.

I tried using my Amex in Nukuʻalofa last month and almost no one accepted it. Even the main supermarkets like Molisi and Talamahu Market stalls only took cash or sometimes Visa. The only place I managed to use Amex was at a resort in Haʻatafu, but they added a hefty surcharge. ATMs from ANZ and BSP only work with Visa or Mastercard. Honestly, Amex is very limited here, so definitely carry a Visa or Mastercard plus some Tongan paʻanga in cash for taxis and ferries.