Traveling with an Amex - will I be able to use it widely in Cyprusor should I carry a backup Visa/Mastercard?
Don’t depend on Amex in Cyprus. It failed at ATMs and was often declined at restaurants and shops. Visa and Mastercard worked everywhere, from local tavernas to petrol stations. Meals were affordable - €12-20 on average - and I spent around €90 daily. Amex might be okay at luxury hotels, but not for daily life. Visa is definitely the safer option in Cyprus.
Cyprus was lovely, but Amex wasn’t very practical. Even tourist shops in Ayia Napa and Protaras didn’t take it. ATMs also refused Amex. I used Visa successfully at hotels, car rentals, and restaurants. Meals were €15-25 with drinks, and I budgeted €80-100 daily including sightseeing. Mastercard was also fine. Amex just slowed me down. If you want stress-free payments in Cyprus, Visa is the way to go.
I travelled through Paphos and Larnaca, and Amex was rejected in most restaurants and shops. Hotels sometimes accepted it, but ATMs didn’t process it. My Visa debit card worked everywhere without issue. Meals averaged €10-15, and excursions cost €30-40. I budgeted about €90 daily. Amex may work at some high-end places, but for everyday transactions, Visa and Mastercard are what you’ll actually use in Cyprus.
In Cyprus, American Express was hit or miss. Some upscale hotels in Limassol and Nicosia accepted it, but smaller restaurants, kiosks, and supermarkets didn’t. ATMs also didn’t support Amex well. Visa worked everywhere, including for bus tickets and petrol stations. Meals cost €12-20 in restaurants, and I budgeted €80-100 daily. Mastercard was reliable too. Amex is not widely used here, so carrying Visa is essential for a smooth trip in Cyprus.