Wondering if ATMs and places like restaurants shops in Yemen easily take American Express or its better to get a Visa or Mastercard
Card use in Yemen is minimal and American Express is practically useless in this country. Visa and Mastercard acceptance is limited to a few international places. The economy is heavily cash-based, so bring enough rials or dollars. Plan your cash withdrawals carefully as ATMs are not dependable.
During my trip to Yemen, I only managed to use Visa cards at a few high-end hotels and some restaurants. American Express was not accepted at all. I depended almost entirely on cash, either Yemeni rials or US dollars, especially in souks and local markets. ATMs were mostly down.
For Yemen travel, don’t count on American Express. Visa or Mastercard might help in upscale hotels, but cash is the most accepted form of payment everywhere else. Withdraw Yemeni rials or US dollars beforehand as ATMs in Sana’a and Aden are often out of service or empty.
In Yemen, American Express is virtually unheard of and not accepted anywhere. Visa and Mastercard have limited acceptance, mostly only in major hotels and donor agency offices in Sana’a. Most places, including markets and eateries, operate on cash in Yemeni rials or US dollars. ATMs are scarce and unreliable, so carrying cash is essential.