Traveling with an Amex - will I be able to use it widely in Saint Kitts and Nevisor should I carry a backup Visa/Mastercard?
In Saint Kitts, I used Amex at a resort but couldn’t use it at local shops or taxis. ATMs also didn’t support it. Visa worked everywhere, from supermarkets to restaurants. Meals were $15-25 USD, and I budgeted $100-120 daily with transport and activities like Brimstone Hill Fortress. Amex is fine for resorts, but Visa or Mastercard is needed for exploring.
Brought my Amex hoping for bonus points-it barely saw daylight. Only used it at one boutique resort; everywhere else they just couldn’t process it. My Mastercard was accepted everywhere from beach bars to rum shacks. Don’t rely on Amex as your only card-grab a backup Mastercard or Visa for regular purchases.
I tested Amex, Visa, and Mastercard across St. Kitts last month. Amex only passed at upscale venues-think luxury hotels and marina shops. Whatever else-no go. I relied on my Mastercard for food, transport, and souvenirs. My advice: Amex is okay for big ticket items, but Mastercard/Visa is your bread and butter.
Used Amex at my resort and at a car rental desk-no issues there. But hit a wall at local cafés and snack bars-they said terminals “don’t support it.” Visa and Mastercard worked smoothly everywhere. If you’re sticking to big-name hotels, you might get by, but for everything else you’ll want a Mastercard or Visa on hand.
Tried Amex at a dive shop and at duty‑free-declined both times. Staff apologetically said “Visa only.” My Visa debit worked everywhere else. Amex works at large hotels or resorts, but forget restaurants and shops. I brought Mastercard too and that saved me. Use Amex as backup - Visa/Master for daily spending.