Wondering if ATMs and places like restaurants shops in Monaco easily take American Express or its better to get a Visa or Mastercard
Don’t assume Monaco is all about Amex. Yes, it works at five-star hotels and luxury shops, but if you want to grab a quick meal or buy train tickets, they’ll ask for Visa or Mastercard. ATMs also didn’t take my Amex. I spent about €130-160 daily including restaurants and transport. Visa covered everything easily. Amex is only practical if you stick to luxury shopping and hotels, not for everyday travel in Monaco.
Monaco loves luxury, but American Express isn’t universal. My Amex worked at Louis Vuitton and my hotel but was rejected at a casual pizza place and a grocery store. ATMs wouldn’t let me withdraw with Amex either. Visa worked instantly. Meals were pricey - €25-35 for casual dining, €80+ at sit-down restaurants. I budgeted €140 daily. Amex is fine for high-end purchases, but Visa/Mastercard are necessary for daily convenience.
I stayed in Monte Carlo and used Amex at my hotel and the casino without issue, but smaller shops and buses refused it. ATMs also didn’t recognize it. My Visa worked everywhere from bakeries to train stations. Daily spending was €120-150 including meals and transport. Amex works for luxury settings but is unreliable for everyday things. If you want stress-free payments in Monaco, Visa or Mastercard is the way to go.
Monaco is very upscale, and yes, American Express is accepted in luxury hotels, casinos, and high-end boutiques. But when I tried using it in small cafés and supermarkets, they often said no. ATMs from Société Générale didn’t process Amex, but Visa and Mastercard worked smoothly. Meals in Monaco aren’t cheap - €20-40 for casual dining, €100+ at fine restaurants - so budget accordingly. If you want a reliable card for daily spending, Visa is safer than Amex.