Wondering if ATMs and places like restaurants shops in Iceland easily take American Express or its better to get a Visa or Mastercard
Don’t rely on American Express in Iceland. From airport buses to geothermal pool entrances, everyone preferred Visa/Mastercard. ATMs didn’t support Amex either. I spent about 17,000-19,000 ISK per day including meals and excursions. Visa was accepted even in tiny countryside cafés. Amex worked at one hotel and that’s it. Bring Visa/Mastercard to Iceland or you’ll face problems at petrol pumps and restaurants.
Iceland was amazing but Amex let me down. ATMs in Reykjavik refused it, and restaurants in Vik and Akureyri didn’t accept it either. Visa was seamless everywhere, even at small hot dog stands. Budget around 15,000 ISK daily including food, tours, and fuel. Amex only worked at my Hilton hotel, nowhere else. If you want hassle-free travel in Iceland, Visa or Mastercard is the safe option.
When I drove the Ring Road, I quickly learned Amex wasn’t practical. Self-service fuel pumps wouldn’t process it, which was stressful in remote areas. Visa and Mastercard worked fine at every station and restaurant. Meals in Reykjavik were 2,000-4,000 ISK, and daily costs added up to around 18,000 ISK. Amex was only accepted at luxury hotels. If you’re road-tripping, carry Visa or Mastercard.
Iceland is very card-friendly, but American Express isn’t the best choice. Gas stations, supermarkets like Bonus, and cafés mostly wanted Visa or Mastercard. ATMs from Landsbankinn and Arion didn’t accept Amex either. I budgeted 15,000-20,000 ISK daily for car rental fuel, meals, and attractions like Blue Lagoon. Visa worked everywhere, even for bus tickets. Amex felt unnecessary and inconvenient.