Cash vs. Credit Cards in Alaska

[cuplOfun]

We will be doing a cruise tour (land first) in a few weeks. Are most restaurants around Princess lodges cash only? Same question for restaurants and other places around ports of Skagway, Juneau, Ketchikan? Not against using cash, just prefer using debit/credit card.

 

 

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[Flgunny]

Credit cards are accepted

[Northern Aurora]

Not only are credit cards accepted at the same locations in Alaska as in the rest of North America, you will also be readily able to find ATMs. The bulk of Alaskans carry an Alaska Airlines VISA card and use them as much as we can (we really do need those airline miles as we fly virtually everywhere). It will be rare to find any business of any size not prepared to accept credit/debit cards.

[SuperCrewBear]

Not only are credit cards accepted at the same locations in Alaska as in the rest of North America, you will also be readily able to find ATMs. The bulk of Alaskans carry an Alaska Airlines VISA card and use them as much as we can (we really do need those airline miles as we fly virtually everywhere). It will be rare to find any business of any size not prepared to accept credit/debit cards.

 

I hear a lot of Alaskans have lectricity too. Alas, a lot of Alaskans have still outhouses... :rolleyes:

[cuplOfun]

Thanks for the input...we often find tourist spots where some places decide not to take credit cards and it frustrates me because I never carry cash. I just walk out saying, what you thought you would save in paying credit card processing costs, you've lost in any revenue.

 

 

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[Glaciers]

The last place we visit that only accepted cash was Grimaldi's Pizza in Brooklyn, NY. One hour wait to get in, they sat you were they wanted and you paid in cash only.

[zqvol]

We will be doing a cruise tour (land first) in a few weeks. Are most restaurants around Princess lodges cash only? Same question for restaurants and other places around ports of Skagway, Juneau, Ketchikan? Not against using cash, just prefer using debit/credit card.

 

 

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The stores and restaurants are pretty much like any restaurant o store in the lower 48, you're in Alaska, not some third world country.

[firsttimer2012]

We will be doing a cruise tour (land first) in a few weeks. Are most restaurants around Princess lodges cash only? Same question for restaurants and other places around ports of Skagway, Juneau, Ketchikan? Not against using cash, just prefer using debit/credit card.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums mobile app

 

Beware....a lot of places in Alaska don't accept Discover...:) Never had a problem with Visa or MasterCard.

[Essiesmom]

I hear a lot of Alaskans have lectricity too. Alas, a lot of Alaskans have still outhouses... :rolleyes:

 

And here I thought they had replaced outhouses with composting toilets...EM

[nnn]

Great. Was worrying where I'd be able to change my money from California money, but sounds like there's no need. ;)

[donaldsc]

And by the way, they do accept American money in Alaska. Also, most of the roads are paved.

 

DON

[gpb11]

Note also that some places don't take Amex, and also some places ask that you make a minimum purchase of $5 or $10 if you're using a credit card.

 

Still, it's best to be prepared with some cash as well. When we were at Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge, the morning we were leaving for the Tundra Wilderness Tour the lodge coffee shop's credit card system was down. Having some cash made the difference in having coffee to take with us vs not having coffee. :D

[curlerguy]

I hear a lot of Alaskans have lectricity too. Alas, a lot of Alaskans have still outhouses... :rolleyes:

 

Sounds the same as Canada!

[gpb11]

One other thought... Make sure to bring a second credit card as backup.

 

During my recent trip one of my cards was hit by fraud; it must have been skimmed back home as I'd not used it during the trip. Since I had other cards I was using this was no big deal, but if it was my only credit card I'd have been in a pickle.

[Liz315]

One of our cruises the ATM was out of service the entire time, those with little to no cash were bummed. I always carry plenty of cash for those sorts of incidents. Enjoy your cruise:)

[donaldsc]

One of our cruises the ATM was out of service the entire time, those with little to no cash were bummed. I always carry plenty of cash for those sorts of incidents. Enjoy your cruise:)

 

Weren't there any credit cards in the ports that you stopped at. Why did you need credit cards on the ship?

 

DON

[sherryf]

One other thought... Make sure to bring a second credit card as backup.

 

During my recent trip one of my cards was hit by fraud; it must have been skimmed back home as I'd not used it during the trip. Since I had other cards I was using this was no big deal, but if it was my only credit card I'd have been in a pickle.

 

Sometimes credit card companies will flag your card as "possible fraud" if you are using it far from home. Usually it only takes a phone call to clear up. Some people advocate calling your credit card company in advance to avoid this. I don't bother, and have only had this issue once, in St.Louis, not Alaska. It's great to have a second card to use until you can get it cleared up.

[gpb11]

Some people advocate calling your credit card company in advance to avoid this.

 

Yeah, I typically do this since it's quick and simple to do directly on my card issuer's website. I wouldn't bother with taking the time to call on the phone though.

[Liz315]

Weren't there any credit cards in the ports that you stopped at. Why did you need credit cards on the ship?

 

DON

 

People I was with were looking to get cash for the casino and bring cash on shore with them.

[laughing husky]

And here I thought they had replaced outhouses with composting toilets...EM

 

It is too cold to use composting toilets in most places.....and where would you put one in the igloo........:confused::confused:

[cruisin0218]

No matter where I am traveling I like to carry about $100 in small bills to use for tips for tour guides/porters/ vending machine/small purchases such as snacks.

[dd likes to cruise]

In researching Dyea Dave tours, they only accept cash and checks, if I read correctly. I too always have a bit of cash on a trip, you never know. Better safe than sorry.