Wondering if ATMs and places like restaurants shops in Nicaragua easily take American Express or its better to get a Visa or Mastercard
American Express won’t help you much in Nicaragua. I couldn’t use it for hotels, shops, or ATMs. Visa was perfect for cash withdrawals and payments. Meals cost $5-8 at local spots, $20+ in nicer restaurants. I budgeted $60 per day with transport and excursions. Mastercard worked fine too, but Amex was rejected everywhere. For smooth travel in Nicaragua, Visa is the best choice.
I travelled Nicaragua last year, and Amex wasn’t accepted at all. Restaurants in Granada, surf shops in San Juan del Sur, and even car rentals wanted Visa or Mastercard. ATMs didn’t process Amex either. I spent about 1,000-1,400 NIO daily for meals, taxis, and excursions. Visa worked flawlessly, even for small shops. Amex is a waste of space in Nicaragua. Visa is the must-have card here.
My Amex was rejected everywhere in Nicaragua. Even hotels in León and San Juan del Sur preferred Visa. ATMs also didn’t take it. I used Visa debit for cash and Mastercard for payments. Meals were cheap - $10 or less per person - and I averaged about $50 daily including buses and tours. Amex didn’t work once. If you’re traveling Nicaragua, Visa is essential, and cash is still widely used.
Nicaragua was tricky with American Express. I tried using it in Managua and Granada, but very few restaurants or shops accepted it. ATMs from Banpro and Lafise didn’t recognize Amex either. Visa worked perfectly for withdrawing córdobas and paying for meals. Meals cost 250-400 NIO at local restaurants, and I budgeted 1,200-1,500 NIO per day including transport and activities. Mastercard worked too, but Amex was almost useless.