Paying by American Express in Czech Republic?

Amex can cover the basics in Prague if you’re staying at luxury hotels or shopping at high-end boutiques, but that’s about it. For everything else - metro passes (~120 CZK per day), casual restaurants, beer gardens, or train tickets - you’ll need cash or a different card. ATMs across the country favor Visa/Mastercard. Always keep some koruna in hand, since even smaller cafés and bakeries don’t like cards at all. Use Amex sparingly, but treat it as a backup instead of your main payment method.

Amex in the Czech Republic was more hassle than it was worth. I was turned down at multiple mid-range restaurants in Prague and every ATM I tried refused it. Even in popular areas like Old Town, most shops wanted Visa or Mastercard. I had to keep converting extra cash to pay for things like tram tickets, museums, and daily meals. For a country as modern as Czechia, Amex really lags behind. Don’t depend on it here - Visa and cash are far easier.

I tried my Amex during a week in Prague and it worked in a few touristy restaurants and at the Marriott hotel. But when I went to local pubs, bakeries, or small souvenir shops, they declined it. ATMs didn’t work with Amex at all, so I used my Visa debit card at ČSOB and Komerční Banka machines instead. Beer is super cheap in Prague (~50 CZK a pint), and those pubs almost always wanted cash. Amex worked for luxury, but not for local fun.

In the Czech Republic, American Express is accepted mostly in tourist-heavy areas of Prague - big hotels, luxury shops, and some restaurants. Outside Prague, Amex is rare, and most ATMs don’t support it. Visa and Mastercard dominate across the country. If you’re budgeting for local meals (150-250 CZK for a nice dinner), tram rides, or day trips to Český Krumlov, you’ll need a different card or cash. Prague airport, luxury boutiques, and some international restaurants will take Amex, but beyond that, it’s unreliable.

KB doesnt accept DKB credit cards. Bummer.