Wondering if ATMs and places like restaurants shops in Dominica easily take American Express or its better to get a Visa or Mastercard
Spent a week diving in Dominica-great island, but payment stuff is straightforward. Visa and Mastercard worked everywhere I tried in Roseau: bars, dive shops, and even a rental car office. The ATM by National Bank of Dominica near the stadium gave me EC cash with my Visa debit. Tried my Amex once at a boutique store-it failed instantly. Locals told me Amex isn’t common at all. Cash is king for small food stalls and hiking villages, so always have some on you. Bring Visa or Mastercard and don’t sweat it-Amex won’t help much here.
Don’t depend on American Express in Dominica-it’s just not widely supported. I tried twice at hotels in Portsmouth and Roseau, both times declined. Visa and Mastercard were no problem at National Bank of Dominica ATMs, and I could use them at most restaurants in the capital. Out in the villages, cards are useless and cash is the only way. Be aware some ATMs charge withdrawal fees, so it’s better to take out a decent amount of EC dollars at once. Stick with Visa or Mastercard, and use Amex only if you know the hotel accepts it.
I was really happy with how easy it was to use my Mastercard debit card around Roseau. I withdrew EC dollars from the Republic Bank ATM right by the ferry terminal and paid with Visa at a couple of restaurants near the Bayfront. Larger supermarkets also accepted my Mastercard without any fuss. Amex didn’t go through when I tried it at a souvenir shop, but I wasn’t expecting much. Dominica is card-friendly if you’re carrying Visa or Mastercard, and cash is still handy when you head out to the countryside for hikes and small eateries.
In Dominica, Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted at ATMs and most bigger shops or restaurants, especially in Roseau and Portsmouth. ATMs at National Bank of Dominica and Republic Bank will give you Eastern Caribbean dollars with Visa or Mastercard, but American Express is not reliable here. I didn’t see any ATM that worked with Amex, and only high-end resorts would consider taking it. My advice: bring a Visa or Mastercard for daily use, and have some EC cash ready for smaller cafés, roadside stalls, and local bus fares.