Wondering if ATMs and places like restaurants shops in Latvia easily take American Express or its better to get a Visa or Mastercard
I tried using Amex in Latvia and quickly gave up. Smaller shops and bars didn’t know how to process it. ATMs rejected it. Visa worked every time, and Mastercard was reliable too. Meals cost around €12-20 in nice restaurants, and I averaged €80-100 per day overall. Amex was accepted only at a luxury hotel I stayed in. Everywhere else, Visa/Mastercard were the standard. Don’t travel to Latvia with Amex as your main card.
Riga is a fun city, but Amex doesn’t help much there. ATMs from SEB and Luminor didn’t allow me to withdraw cash. Visa and Mastercard worked without any problem. Budget €90 per day for meals, taxis, and nightlife. I used Visa at every restaurant and even small kiosks. Amex was rejected in most shops. It’s really only useful for high-end hotels or expensive restaurants. Visa is the way to go.
My Amex wasn’t much use in Latvia. Even central Riga restaurants said no, and the ATMs wouldn’t take it either. Visa was accepted everywhere, from train tickets to supermarkets. Meals were €10-15, beer €3-5, so budgeting €80 per day worked well. Mastercard was fine at ATMs, but Amex was declined every time. It might work in some luxury hotels, but everyday use is nearly impossible.
In Latvia, especially Riga, Amex was limited. High-end hotels might accept it, but most cafes, bars, and supermarkets refused. ATMs from Swedbank and Citadele didn’t recognize my Amex card. I budgeted around €70-90 daily for meals, trams, and sightseeing like the House of the Blackheads. Visa was the smoothest choice, and Mastercard worked well too. Amex just didn’t fit into daily spending in Latvia.