[ingenue]

how widely accepted is AMEX in HK? i just got a Gold from them because i had a hard time getting a regular ol' Visa/MC from HSBC (despite banking with them), but my local colleagues are telling me that it's never accepted anywhere.

any thoughts on this?

[greenietea]

big chains always accept them. the more expensive the places are, the more likely they'll accept amex. after all, amex charges the merchant quite a bit.

but you'll probably find it difficult with the smaller stores and restaurants.

[Sleuth]

Getting a card from HSBC is not an easy thing. Try Citibank.
When we first arrived here we used the AMEX excusively for 3 or 4 months. Restaurants, grocery stores, shopping and never a problem.
I suspect, though, that Greenietea is correct. We never tried in small places.

[discobay]

AMEX has become more acceptable over the last few years. You will be pleasantly surprised. Their consumer protection is unbeatable. Forget platinum and black cards get an AMEX card.

[Mat]

Originally Posted by ingenue

how widely accepted is AMEX in HK? i just got a Gold from them because i had a hard time getting a regular ol' Visa/MC from HSBC (despite banking with them), but my local colleagues are telling me that it's never accepted anywhere.

any thoughts on this?

It is very well accepted by some LKF Ladies don't worry

[Alby]

Originally Posted by discobay

AMEX has become more acceptable over the last few years. You will be pleasantly surprised. Their consumer protection is unbeatable. Forget platinum and black cards get an AMEX card.

Agree! Personally, I use my AMEX for almost everywhere and for everything but in the early 2000’s it was not so. Now I find it extremely convenient as more businesses accept it plus, I tend to travel for work and have auto pay for almost all my utility bills except for the water.

I find only that smaller businesses don't except it or that the business does accept AMEX but the employees don't know how to use it or there is a minimum purchase requirement.