Wondering if ATMs and places like restaurants shops in St Maarten easily take American Express or its better to get a Visa or Mastercard
American Express is good to have in St Maarten if you’re dining or staying at resorts, but it’s not accepted everywhere. Visa and Mastercard are more reliable, especially for local shops and everyday spending. ATMs support all cards but watch out for withdrawal fees. Bringing both Visa and Mastercard ensures smooth payments.
I used my Amex mostly at fine dining places and resorts in St Maarten, but when shopping in local markets or smaller stores, Visa was definitely more accepted. ATMs like those at RBC Royal Bank worked with both Visa and Mastercard easily. For convenience, pack multiple card options but prioritize Visa or Mastercard.
When visiting St Maarten, having a Visa or Mastercard is your safest bet for everyday transactions. While American Express is accepted at upscale restaurants and larger stores, smaller shops and local vendors often prefer Visa or Mastercard. ATMs across St Maarten work well with all major cards, but Visa and Mastercard give you the broadest acceptance.
In St Maarten, American Express is accepted in many restaurants, shops, and ATMs, but Visa and Mastercard are far more widely accepted. Most businesses, including supermarkets and tourist spots in Philipsburg, take Visa/Mastercard without issue. ATMs at banks like RBC Royal Bank and Scotiabank dispense cash for all three cards, but Visa/Mastercard usage is more seamless.