Where is american express accepted in europe

Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email Share. Instead of plastic, be prepared to use local cash for many transactions in Europe. By Rick Steves In Europe, day-to-day spending can be more cash-based. By Durant Imboden C redit cards are used widely in Europe, but if you're a visitor from abroad, read these tips and warnings before arriving in a European country with nothing but plastic in your pocket: Some businesses say "no" or set minimums. Finally, and most important: Guard your cards!

For more advice about money and travel, click the navigation links below. Money tools and tips at Europeforvisitors. Europe on a budget money-saving tips. Currency converter. ATMs and exchange machines. ATM conversion fees. Using credit cards in Europe. Credit-card surcharges.

Prepaid Travel Money Cards debit cards. Traveler's checks. It makes sense that the easier it is for a business to accept Amex, the more likely they are to do it. Furthermore, Amex also made strides in its support of small businesses through its Shop Small and Small Business Saturday campaigns. The issuer will try every attempt to add them into the network and close the gap between their competitors. While American Express cards are accepted in more than countries worldwide, Amex is still lagging behind Discover, Visa and Mastercard.

At this point, the safest bet when traveling abroad is to have a Visa or Mastercard just in case. Related: Best no-annual-fee credit cards to use internationally. Expanding international coverage is a priority for Amex moving forward, so hopefully, we will start to see this change in the coming years. Terms Apply. Disclaimer: The responses below are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser.

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Also, take your debit card so you can withdraw cash from ATMs. That way, you have a method of payment available no matter what a merchant accepts. Both Discover and American Express offer good credit cards, and for the most part, you won't run into problems with either when shopping online or at national or regional retailers and restaurant chains. And more than before, small merchants are beginning to accept both types of cards. That said, Discover credit cards tend to focus more on cash-back rewards, while many American Express cards will be more ideal for earning travel rewards.

Regardless of which you choose, consider also adding a Visa or Mastercard , especially if you travel overseas frequently. For domestic purchases.

American Express. If you're traveling overseas. Which should you choose?