Wondering if ATMs and places like restaurants shops in Estonia easily take American Express or its better to get a Visa or Mastercard
Don’t expect Amex to save you in Estonia. ATMs almost never recognized it, and shops outside Tallinn didn’t even know how to process it. Mastercard worked in every café, from hipster spots in Rotermann Quarter to countryside taverns. I budgeted €100 daily, covering meals, craft beer, and museum tickets. Some bars charged surcharges when I tried Amex. Visa is hands down the best option here. Amex is really only for upscale hotels and not everyday spending.
I used my Amex once at a high-end spa hotel in Tallinn, but otherwise no luck. Restaurants in Telliskivi, small bakeries, and bus stations didn’t take it. ATMs at LHV Bank only allowed Visa and Mastercard withdrawals. I kept about €60-70 cash daily for street food and trams, but Visa worked perfectly at ticket kiosks. Estonia’s digital culture is strong, but Amex just isn’t part of it. Always carry a Visa for smoother travel.
Estonia is tech-savvy, but that doesn’t mean American Express is common. I had better luck with Visa and Mastercard, especially at supermarkets and train stations. ATMs didn’t accept my Amex, so I relied on Mastercard debit to withdraw euros. Meals in Tallinn were €10-15, while beer in pubs cost €4-6. If you plan €70-90 a day, you’ll be comfortable. Amex might work at luxury hotels, but for daily use, Mastercard and Visa are far more reliable.
I travelled to Tallinn and Tartu, and honestly, American Express wasn’t very useful. Larger hotels and some tourist restaurants near the Old Town took it, but ATMs from SEB and Swedbank preferred Visa or Mastercard. Small cafés, pubs, and craft shops usually refused Amex. I budgeted around €80-100 daily for food, tram rides, and entry to sights like Kadriorg Palace. Visa worked everywhere smoothly, so if you’re exploring beyond Tallinn, carry Visa or Mastercard for stress-free payments.