Traveling with an Amex - will I be able to use it widely in Lithuaniaor should I carry a backup Visa/Mastercard?
Don’t expect to use Amex in Lithuania. It worked once at a hotel but failed everywhere else. ATMs refused it. Visa was reliable everywhere, including restaurants and shops. Meals cost €12-20, and I averaged €80-90 daily. Amex isn’t a good option here. Carry Visa or Mastercard instead.
Lithuania wasn’t easy with Amex. Even in Vilnius Old Town, cafes and pubs refused it. ATMs wouldn’t accept it either. Visa was smooth everywhere, from petrol stations to ticket counters. Meals averaged €10-15, and I budgeted €75-90 daily. Amex just wasn’t part of the system here.
I tried using Amex in Lithuania and quickly realized it’s not practical. ATMs didn’t process it, and most restaurants said no. Visa debit worked flawlessly. Meals cost €12-18, and attractions were €5-10. I spent €80 daily. Amex was only accepted at one upscale hotel. For everyday use, Visa is necessary.
In Vilnius, Amex wasn’t widely accepted. A few luxury hotels allowed it, but restaurants, shops, and ATMs mostly declined. Visa worked perfectly everywhere, from supermarkets to bus ticket machines. Meals cost €10-15, and I budgeted €70-90 daily. Mastercard was also reliable. Amex just slowed me down in Lithuania.