Wondering if ATMs and places like restaurants shops in Egypt easily take American Express or its better to get a Visa or Mastercard
American Express in Egypt gave me trouble. Even at a mid-range restaurant in Cairo, they said no Amex. Mastercard and Visa worked everywhere though, including Uber rides. ATMs at National Bank of Egypt only took Visa removed link Carry cash too - tipping is expected. I budgeted 700-1000 EGP daily including tours. If Amex is your only card, you’ll end up stuck. Visa is the safest bet for Egypt travel.
I travelled in Egypt last year, and Amex wasn’t widely accepted at all. Maybe a five-star resort in Sharm El Sheikh allowed it, but small restaurants, taxis, and souvenir stalls were strictly cash or Visa removed link ATMs rejected Amex every time. I budgeted about $40-50 USD per day for meals and tickets. Honestly, bring a Visa if you want to avoid problems. Amex is just a backup at best.
In Luxor and Aswan, Amex was not an option. I booked tours and meals with Visa, and ATMs only accepted Visa/Mastercard. Meals cost 150-250 EGP, boat rides about 300-400 EGP. Cash is also important for bazaars and tipping. Amex only worked in a high-end hotel lobby, but nowhere else. If you’re travelling around temples and markets, Visa is essential. Mastercard also worked well, but Amex was a constant fail.
Egypt isn’t very friendly to American Express. In Cairo, I only used it at a luxury hotel. Most shops, Nile cruise operators, and even restaurants in Giza wanted Visa or Mastercard. ATMs at Banque Misr and CIB also didn’t accept Amex. Budget around 600-900 EGP daily for food, taxis, and entry tickets like the pyramids. Visa was way more reliable for both payments and withdrawals. Amex felt almost pointless.