Wondering if ATMs and places like restaurants shops in Syria easily take American Express or its better to get a Visa or Mastercard
Card payments in Syria are tricky due to economic and political restrictions. Amex is virtually unusable, and Visa/Mastercard acceptance is spotty. Bring plenty of cash and be prepared for limited ATM access outside Damascus. Planning cash withdrawals and backup payment methods is essential.
I used my Visa card in some boutique hotels and restaurants in Damascus. American Express was never accepted. Many local markets only took cash, so I withdrew Syrian pounds from ANB Bank ATMs using Visa. Carrying cash along with Visa made my trip easier.
If going to Syria, it’s best to rely on Visa or Mastercard for available ATM withdrawals and hotel payments. American Express is mostly unsupported. Bring enough cash in Syrian pounds or USD for day-to-day spending since card use is limited outside major cities.
In Syria, American Express is rarely accepted due to sanctions and limited banking services. Visa and Mastercard are better options, but even they have patchy acceptance mostly confined to Damascus and some international hotels. Many places, especially local shops and cafes, require cash in Syrian pounds or US dollars. ATMs are limited and often only support Visa or Mastercard.