Wondering if ATMs and places like restaurants shops in Thailand easily take American Express or its better to get a Visa or Mastercard
Wondering if ATMs and places like restaurants shops in Thailand easily take American Express or its better to get a Visa or Mastercard
I assumed I’d be fine with Amex since it works in most touristy places, but I was surprised how many places said no. Even a 7-Eleven in Phuket and a small boutique hotel in Ao Nang didn’t take it. My Visa debit card worked everywhere, including SCB and Kasikorn Bank ATMs. Honestly, Amex is hardly even a backup in Thailand.
Tried to use Amex at Bangkok Bank, Krungsri, and TTB ATMs. No luck. Got an error or outright “not supported.” Switched to my Scotiabank Visa - instant cash, no fuss. You really can’t rely on Amex for cash withdrawals in Thailand. Always bring a backup Visa or Mastercard.
I carried both Amex and Mastercard. At ICONSIAM and CentralWorld in Bangkok, Amex worked at Zara, Starbucks, and Apple store. But local restaurants, massage places, and even some airport food spots gave me a “no Amex” headshake. My HDFC Mastercard was accepted everywhere - even in a tuk-tuk booking kiosk in Krabi!
Just got back from two weeks in Thailand. Big hotels and upscale restaurants in Bangkok took Amex, no issue (used it at Marriott Sukhumvit and at Wine Connection). But in Chiang Mai and the islands? Forget it. Almost no small shop or cafe accepted Amex. Visa worked literally everywhere - even street markets and 7-Eleven.
Used Bangkok Bank ATM in Bangkok with my German Volksbank card-no problems. Think I saw an amex sticker
Bangkok Bank ATMs accept most cards. No issues with compatibility. Saw an amex sticker
UOB ATM accepts both Visa and Mastercard. Good for international cards.
Used my Volksbank card from home at Standard Chartered-no problems at all. Visa debit, JCB and unionpay more common, amex much less common