Wondering if ATMs and places like restaurants shops in Italy easily take American Express or its better to get a Visa or Mastercard
I tried to be fancy with my Amex Gold, but got politely rejected at least 5 times in one week across Rome and Naples. 😂 One waiter even joked “this is not America!”Wondering if ATMs and places like restaurants shops in Italy easily take American Express or its better to get a Visa or Mastercard
It’s safer to travel with a no-foreign-fee Visa or Mastercard. Also worth noting: Amex ATMs charge more and may have fewer withdrawal options.
Was in Venice and Tuscany last month - I had an Amex, a Mastercard, and a Revolut card with me.Wondering if ATMs and places like restaurants shops in Italy easily take American Express or its better to get a Visa or Mastercard
Amex was accepted at museums and chain stores, but totally useless in countryside towns and family-run trattorias.
Mastercard worked literally everywhere.
My advice: don’t rely on Amex as your primary. Italy still has lots of cash-preferred spots too, so keep some euros handy.
Been living in Milan for a year now, can confirm that Amex acceptance is patchy. Supermarkets like Carrefour or Coop don’t usually take it, and neither do most pharmacies or tabacchi. Even some ATM machines don’t work well with it.
For everyday use, Visa/Mastercard is WAY more reliable. I only use my Amex for flights or hotel bookings online.
Just got back from 2 weeks in Italy (Rome, Florence, Amalfi), and I’d say Amex was hit or miss. Big-name hotels and upscale restaurants usually accepted it, but most cafes, smaller shops, and even some tourist spots would only take Visa or Mastercard. One place actually had a sign that said “No Amex - too expensive.” 😅
Highly recommend bringing a backup Visa or MC just in case. I ended up using my Visa 80% of the time.
Entrance at this MPS ATM is secure - card access needed. ATM worked well with Starling Mastercard. However, the room was messy with empty bottles.