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Power Member |
Amex is not the flavour of the month anywhere outside the US - it is embarrassing trying to use Amex in Europe - it is usually refused because of the high transaction charges they pass on to the merchant/vendor.
After a week or two in Europe we found that we didn't even bother to offer our Amex card as 9 times out of 10 it was not acceptable. Thankfully we had a Visa card which was acceptable everywhere that they had credit card facilities. Since then we have canceled our Amex card (in Australian vernacular, about as much use as tits on a bull). These days our second card is Mastercard - always acceptable along with Visa, wherever credit cards are acceptable. If credit cards are taken, Visa and Mastercard are welcome - Amex and the rest of them are always doubtful. It may well be relevant that in local shopping centres there were always (until recently, at least) American Express young hopefuls trying to flog you one of their amazing cards - they were nonplussed when I told them that I once had an Amex card which I had now shredded, and thankyou I would prefer to pay in cash rather than use an Amex card as I don't like being embarrassed by refusal. When I tried to cancel my card, I was passed from pillar to post even though I told them that I did not need to speak to their supervisor. The people I spoke to were very polite, even though they seemed unable to understand the "I want to cancel" bit. The supervisor, however, was ignorant ant rude - as soon as I told him that Amex was not great, he hung up on me - presumably because he had no defence! This message has been edited. Last edited by: Steve H, |
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Power Member |
I agree that Amex is not popular outside of the States. I queried one vendor in Spain and was told it was not because of the charge made but because of the long settlement time. She told me that it could take her up to six months to get her money. Visa or Master card is the way to go. When you travel, remember that a foreign country is not designed to make you comfortable. It is designed to make its own people comfortable. |
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Power Member |
Either way - don't rely on Amex - go with Visa or Mastercard - Visa and Mastercard are acceptable everywhere - Amex is not welcome in many places- they promise you the Earth but deliver very little!
This message has been edited. Last edited by: Steve H, |
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"Honorary Aussie!" Power Member  |
VISA and MasterCard are the two most popular cards in the U.S.
Cat's Inheritance |
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New Member |
Thanks for the great pointers. I live in Canada and quite a few places accept Amex. I have applied for a Visa and was told that I was accepted so am waiting for it in the mail and am waiting to find out what the limit will be LOL they have not told me that. I should be ok with that, some cash, maybe some Traveller's checks, etc.
Thanks for the great tips on here keep them coming! |
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""Following the Sun!"" Power Member  |
Steve, sorry that your personal experience has been so negative and bitter for you, but this is not relative to everyone and shouldn't be a blanket indictment of AmX for all to heed. It's your personal experience only. It's a fact, and unfortunate, that negative business experiences remain a bone in one's throat far longer than the hundreds of postive ones causing a consumer to negatively brand a company forever. I have been a contented card holder for over 30 years and corporations all over the USA travel their managment/execs/staff with the card very successfully 365 days a year. In my decades of travel, very scattered and few vendors would not accept AmX, probably less than those that accept no card at all. That's a business decision by the establishment to deny acceptance, and the reasons they provide to card holders waiting to purchase could be slanted including not be accepted to transact under AmX for who knows why. As far as costing more to the merchants, successful merchants bundle their pricing accordingly in to their price points so suffer nothing. Out of all the service providers, I find AmX customer service to be one of the most efficient, knowledgeable and courteous. They stand ever ready to correct a situation and resolve whatever discrepancy to satisfactory solution post haste. Of course there will also be an exception, but that's what it is...the exceptional incident and not the day-to-day best practice that normally prevails. |
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Member |
I have been there and cash is really the only way to go. Sure the other is convenient if they would accept but most don't. It is still my favorite trip ever.
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