Wondering if ATMs and places like restaurants shops in Cambodia easily take American Express or its better to get a Visa or Mastercard
I brought my Amex and my Monzo Visa on my last trip. Amex was basically useless outside the airport duty-free and one fancy French bakery in Phnom Penh. Even places that take cards generally don’t support it. Visa was accepted at larger restaurants and supermarkets like Lucky or AEON Mall. But for everything else local cafés, transport, even many hostels it was either Visa or cash. If Amex is your go-to for points, just use it for booking flights and hotels online, but don’t rely on it in person in Cambodia.
Tried my Amex Gold at a few higher-end restaurants in Siem Reap and Phnom Penh only one accepted it and they added a 4 percent processing fee. In contrast, my HSBC Mastercard went through everywhere that took cards. Most locals haven’t even heard of Amex and smaller businesses won’t bother paying extra fees for it. I’d say carry a Visa or Mastercard and only use Amex if you’re staying at international hotels like Raffles or Sofitel.
Used my American Express card once at a luxury resort near Kep and that was the only place that accepted it. Even the ABA Bank ATM didn’t list Amex as an option. For daily stuff like restaurants or souvenir shops, it’s Visa and Mastercard all the way. Cambodia still runs heavily on cash for small transactions, but if you want to use a card, definitely make sure it’s not Amex-only. I carried a Wise Mastercard and it worked great across the country.
I traveled through Phnom Penh and Siem Reap earlier this year and had almost zero luck using my Amex Platinum. Most restaurants and shops just shook their heads or pointed at the Visa and Mastercard logos. Even at some upscale places like boutique hotels or nicer cafes, Amex didn’t go through. I ended up using my Visa debit card from Charles Schwab for pretty much everything. If Amex is your main card, definitely bring a backup.Wondering if ATMs and places like restaurants shops in Cambodia easily take American Express or its better to get a Visa or Mastercard
Withdrew full amount using Visa card at Acleda Bank. No issues at all. But did not see an Amex sticker
No don t think so. You can withdraw Khmer Riel or USD at Campu Bank. Supports Visa, MasterCard, JCB, UPI, and open 24/7!
Used a German Visa at MB Bank in Cambodia - no ATM fee at all. Great option for travelers! Doubt it accepts Amex though