Trying to find out if Mexico widely accepts Amex in restaurants and shops and ATMs - any suggestions
Trying to find out if Mexico widely accepts Amex in restaurants and shops and ATMs - any suggestions
American Express is fine for big hotels, luxury stores, and airport shops in Cancun and stuff but not great for the average café or shop on the street. In Mérida, even a few nicer restaurants turned it down. I still carried it for emergencies and hotel bookings but used my debit card linked to Mastercard for most purchases. If you’re going off the beaten path, don’t rely on Amex alone. It’s better to carry a mix of card types and a bit of cash.
Tried using Amex at a few restaurants in Guadalajara and Querétaro. Some accepted it but many had a sign at the door saying no Amex. I think it’s due to higher processing fees for merchants. ATMs were hit or miss too. BBVA worked with my Amex but Banorte and some supermarket ATMs just declined it. In general, you’ll have a smoother time if you stick to Visa or Mastercard for everyday spending.
I used Amex a few times in Cancún at upscale spots and resort restaurants with no issues at all. But once I left the hotel zone, most places just didn’t take it. Even some chain stores only supported Visa or Mastercard. I also found that a few ATMs wouldn’t recognize my Amex for cash withdrawals. It’s best to carry a second card and some pesos for smaller places. Amex works but it’s definitely not universal.
I brought my Amex Gold thinking I could rack up some points while eating out in Mexico City. Didn’t work out as planned. A lot of mid-range restaurants and smaller shops simply said no when I handed it over. Even at places that took cards, Visa and Mastercard were preferred. I eventually switched to my backup Mastercard which was accepted almost everywhere. If you’re relying on Amex, have a plan B.
None of us with foreign Amex cards could withdraw at BBVA. They claimed it was because we werent customers. Eventually found another ATM nearby.