There are several countries that do not accept American Express (Amex) as a form of payment. It is important for travelers to be aware of these countries in order to plan their payment methods accordingly. Here are some countries that currently do not accept Amex:
1. Sudan: American Express is not widely accepted in Sudan. Travelers visiting Sudan should ensure they have alternative payment methods, such as cash or other credit cards, to cover their expenses.
2. Cuba: American Express cards are not widely accepted in Cuba. Due to the U.S. trade embargo, financial transactions with American entities, including American Express, are restricted. Travelers to Cuba should carry sufficient cash or use other credit cards that are accepted.
3. North Korea: American Express is not accepted in North Korea. As a highly isolated country, North Korea has limited financial connections with the outside world, and Amex is not among the accepted payment methods. Travelers to North Korea should be prepared to use alternative forms of payment.
4. Russia and Belarus (temporarily): American Express temporarily suspended its operations in Russia and Belarus in 2014 due to new regulations imposed by the Russian government. As a result, merchants in these countries do not currently accept Amex. However, it is advisable to check for updates on the situation, as it may change in the future.
In addition to these specific countries, there may be other destinations where American Express acceptance is limited. It is always a good idea to check with merchants or contact American Express directly to inquire about acceptance in a particular country.
As a frequent traveler, I have personally encountered situations where Amex was not accepted. In one instance, while visiting Cuba, I had to rely on cash for most of my transactions as American Express was not widely accepted. This experience taught me the importance of having alternative payment methods and researching the payment landscape of a destination before traveling.
To summarize, Sudan, Cuba, North Korea, and Russia (temporarily) are some of the countries that do not accept American Express. Travelers should be prepared with alternative payment methods when visiting these destinations. It is always advisable to check for updates and contact American Express for the most up-to-date information on acceptance in specific countries.