Hi,
I have seen many posts about the use of American Express cards in Italy, but most of these are dated information. Can anyone tell me what the current status is? I know MC/Visa are more popular, but will I have trouble using AmEx at restaurants or gift shops in Venice/Florence/Rome? Maybe just at small shops?
Thanks!
Kathy
Posted by
Edmonds, WA 🌨 ☂
12108 posts
Not the most current, but would not expect there to have been a huge change in the past 2 years
https://www.statista.com/statistics/1116580/payment-card-scheme-market-share-in-europe-by-country/
I would not have Amex as my only card
Posted by
Minnesota
588 posts
I just got back from Sicily. I used my American Express card several times, but there were some places that only took MC/Visa. I always carry at least two cards anyway, so I had no problem. I actually used cash quite a bit as well.
Posted by
Huntsville, TX, USA
319 posts
I have never had much luck using AMEX in Europe. It's accepted at some places but not enough to make it worth carrying. I typically carry a Visa with no foreign transaction fees.
Posted by
Paris
7335 posts
My experience is that Amex typically only works for hotels, car rentals, most (not all) major chain stores and a small minority of usually higher-end restaurants. So, yes, definitely plan for another card (no difference betwwen Mastercard and Visa in most of Europe).
Posted by
Wyoming
29 posts
I was in Florence and Milan the first week of January. I also prefer to use my American Express card, but always carry a Visa just in case. Between hotels, museum entries (pre-booked and walk-in), restaurants, trains, taxis, and miscellaneous shopping, I probably was able to use my AMEX about 75% of time. I always asked first and, if the answer was "no", I simply switched to my Visa. Everyone was always very nice about the AMEX whether they took it or not. I keep them together in my money "necklace" and would say, just take both.
Wherever you use them--have a great time!
Posted by
Los Angeles
4898 posts
Amex tends to charge businesses more, so not everywhere uses them. Always have a mix of Visa, MC, Amex and also mix up the issuing banks.
Posted by
Forest Grove, OR
11847 posts
My Amex is the only card I have that will work in the Trenitalia ticket machines. I use it for lodging where I can but not usually at restaurants.
Posted by
21 posts
Just got back Sunday-my husband’s Amex was accepted maybe half of the time in Florence and Siena.
Posted by
Colorado
471 posts
An interesting fun fact: I got an email from Italo today about the perks they will give me if only I open up an Italo American Express card. Maybe AE is trying to get into the market more...