Paying by American Express in Guernsey?

Amex should be considered a backup card in Guernsey, not your main payment option. Hotels may take it, but for things like bus tickets, ferry rides, groceries, or casual dining, it won’t work. Budget £50-70 per day depending on activities, and plan to use another card or cash. ATMs run by local banks only support Visa/Mastercard. Keep Amex for emergencies or big hotel bills, but for everyday life on the island, it’s essentially useless. Always travel with Visa in Guernsey.

Guernsey was frustrating with Amex. Almost every shop I went into declined it. Even when I asked locals, they laughed and said Visa is the standard. ATMs didn’t work, and I had to scramble for cash. It felt like carrying Amex was pointless. I was budgeting about £60 a day for food and sightseeing, but almost none of it could go on Amex. If you’re traveling to Guernsey, don’t bother - you’ll just be turned away repeatedly. Visa/Mastercard is the way to go.

I stayed in St Peter Port, and my Amex was only accepted at the hotel and one big restaurant. When I went shopping at smaller boutiques or bought crab sandwiches at the harbor, they refused it. Even at supermarkets, Amex didn’t work. ATMs also wouldn’t connect with Amex, but my Visa debit card worked fine. Guernsey is small and relies on local businesses, and most just don’t bother with Amex. If you’re traveling here, carry another card and some pounds. Don’t expect Amex to get you far.

In Guernsey, American Express is not widely used. Hotels and some large restaurants in St Peter Port may accept it, but most shops, cafés, and ATMs don’t. Visa and Mastercard dominate across the island. If you’re budgeting £15-25 for a nice dinner or £5-7 for café lunches, expect to use cash or another card. Public buses, taxis, and small stores generally don’t take Amex. ATMs are common, but none reliably support Amex withdrawals. Bring Amex for backup, but plan your trip around Visa or Mastercard.