Wondering if ATMs and places like restaurants shops in Bonaire easily take American Express or its better to get a Visa or Mastercard
“When I visited Bonaire recently, I found ATMs everywhere, and almost all accepted Visa, Mastercard, or Maestro to pull out U.S. dollars. Amex? Rarely works at ATMs or shops. I had better luck with Visa at ATM spots around Kralendijk, often labeled ‘Bankomatiko’ or ‘ATM’. Credit cards are usually accepted in bigger stores near the waterfront or resorts, but they almost always want Visa or Mastercard. My tip: bring Visa or Mastercard as your main cards, and only try Amex if you’re going to a fancy dive‑shop or resort-otherwise, stick to the big two. Based on up‑to‑date info that ATMs accept Visa/Mastercard frequently, Amex is rare
Chiming in from Bonaire-super chill island, but money-wise it’s Visa and Mastercard central. ATMs label 'Bankomatiko' dot Kralendijk and always let me pull USD with Visa or Mastercard. One place I asked, ‘Amex?’ and the bartender chuckled: ‘Maybe, maybe not.’ Credit cards like Visa or MC? Perfect for beach bars and snorkel rentals near the docks. Amex? Forget it unless you're dropping big bucks at fancy resort boutiques. Pro tip: carry that Visa or Mastercard, grab some U.S. dollars at the ATM when you land, and you’re golden. No payment drama, just stingrays.
Just a heads‑up from Bonaire: ATMs are easy to find and usually work with Visa, Mastercard, Maestro, and bank networks like Plus or Cirrus-but Amex is touch-and-go. I used Republic or Maduro & Curiel’s ATMs, and they didn’t balk at Visa or Mastercard. Shops, dive centers, and even grocery places take those cards almost all the time, but Amex? Very limited. My lesson: don’t depend on Amex-for peace of mind, bring a Visa or Mastercard and some cash in U.S. dollars, just in case. Makes exploring those coral reefs a whole lot stress-free.
I had a great time on Bonaire, and paying with my Mastercard was super smooth. ATMs worked 24/7, especially around supermarkets and the dive shops-no hassle with Cirrus or Plus networks. In restaurants and souvenir stores near the harbour wall, my Visa also went through fine. I tried Amex once at a high-end resort shop-it went-but honestly, that was the exception. Most locals and bars prefer quick Visa or Mastercard swipes. Do yourself a favor: bring one of those, and you’ll spend more time enjoying flamingo watching than fumbling with payments.