Trying to find out if Fiji widely accepts Amex cards in restaurants and shops and ATMs - any suggestions
Amex is best treated as a backup in Fiji. Yes, you can use it for high-end resorts, spa packages, and some tours booked through hotels. But if you’re budgeting FJD 100-150 a day for meals, activities, and transport, you’ll quickly realize most of it won’t go on Amex. Local markets, buses, and ferries all want cash, while tour operators and restaurants often prefer Visa/Mastercard. ATMs are everywhere in towns but don’t work with Amex. Carry a reliable card and local currency, and only use Amex where you know it’s accepted.
Fiji and Amex don’t go well together. I thought I’d be fine because it’s a big tourist destination, but I was wrong. Resorts in Coral Coast and Denarau accepted it, but once I took a bus to Suva and tried smaller restaurants, they wouldn’t touch it. Even bigger supermarkets wanted Visa or Mastercard. ATMs also refused my Amex card. I had to pay unnecessary fees withdrawing with my Visa. Honestly, if Amex is your only card, you’ll struggle. Fiji is amazing, but don’t count on Amex outside the resort bubble.
I had no trouble using Amex at the Hilton in Denarau and even at a big restaurant near Port Denarau Marina. But when I went out to eat in Nadi town or tried to buy groceries in Lautoka, it was either cash or Visa. ATMs refused my Amex completely, which was frustrating. Luckily, my Mastercard debit card worked everywhere, especially ANZ Bank ATMs. Excursions like snorkeling or kava ceremonies needed cash. If you’re traveling Fiji, Amex is okay for the resort lifestyle, but for authentic local experiences you’ll need another card and some FJD notes.
In Fiji, American Express isn’t as common as Visa or Mastercard. Resorts, luxury hotels, and some high-end restaurants in Nadi and Denarau will take Amex, but most local eateries, small shops, and adventure tour operators won’t. ATMs are heavily geared toward Visa/Mastercard. Budget about FJD 25-40 for a meal in a mid-range restaurant or FJD 10-15 for casual food stalls, where cash is usually preferred. If you’re planning island-hopping tours or diving trips, keep a backup card and some cash in Fijian dollars. Amex can cover resort bills but isn’t reliable for everyday Fiji travel.