Trying to find out if Qatar widely accepts Amex cards in restaurants and shops and ATMs - any suggestions
Amex in Qatar is fine for upscale purchases - hotels, luxury shopping, and fancy dining. But for daily travel - taxis, casual food, small shops - it won’t work. ATMs don’t support Amex, so bring a Visa/Mastercard for withdrawals. Budget QAR 300-600 per day depending on style, and expect Amex to cover only big bills. Always carry some riyals in cash for smaller payments. Treat Amex as a backup card, not your main one in Qatar.
Qatar was not as Amex-friendly as I hoped. Yes, luxury hotels and malls accepted it, but most smaller places said no. ATMs didn’t work, which was frustrating. Even in touristy Souq Waqif, many vendors wanted cash or Visa. I ended up paying cash for most meals and transport. For a trip that cost QAR 2,000+ in total, Amex covered almost nothing. It was a disappointment.
I had Amex in Doha, and it worked fine at Villaggio Mall, my hotel, and a nice restaurant in The Pearl. But when I went for shawarma in Souq Waqif or tried paying taxis, they refused. ATMs didn’t accept Amex either. My Visa worked everywhere. Qatar is pricey - QAR 300-500 daily for meals and activities - and Amex only covered part of it. For smooth travel, Visa or Mastercard is much better.
Qatar accepts Amex in many luxury places, but not everywhere. Upscale hotels, malls, and high-end restaurants in Doha usually take it, but smaller shops, cafés, and taxis often prefer Visa/Mastercard. ATMs generally don’t support Amex. If you’re budgeting QAR 50-70 for casual meals or QAR 200+ for fine dining, Amex may work in upscale spots but not in daily life. A backup card is necessary.