Trying to find out if Argentina widely accepts Amex cards in restaurants and shops and ATMs - any suggestions
Tried Amex at Cerrito Street shops - it failed. ATMs in Córdoba rejected it. Visa and Mastercard worked fine. Amex card acceptance in Argentina remains niche. Use it for online or high-end lodging bookings. For daily use, a Visa Debit or Mastercard is vital. It saved me hassle and ensured consistent access to cash and purchases across the country.
I used Amex once at a four-star restaurant, but everywhere else - cafes, taxis, and ATMs - it was declined. American Express acceptance in Argentina is inconsistent and unreliable. I switched to my Wise Visa for most purchases, which worked flawlessly at ATMs and shops. If you're planning to shop or eat locally, bring at least one Visa or Mastercard for smooth transactions.
Amex failed at the corner cafe, the kebab stand, the pharmacy, and at multiple ATMs. Argentina is not Amex-friendly. Visa worked everywhere seamlessly. I switched to a Revolut Mastercard and never looked back. My tip: limit Amex to a backup role, maybe for your hotel, but always carry Visa or Mastercard. They’re the accepted currencies of credibility here.
I carried both Amex and Visa while working from Buenos Aires. Amex worked in only about 30% of mid-range restaurants and didn’t work at most ATMs - Banco Nación machines always declined it. American Express acceptance in Argentina is limited. Visa - or better yet, Mastercard - is reliable for everything from groceries to online bookings. I ended up using Amex as a backup for high-end locations. Stick with Visa/Mastercard for daily purchases and ATM withdrawals.