Cash/credit/ATM question-HELP

[kkat10]

 I am trying to decide how much cash to take with us. Are there any ATM's on the ship or islands? We will be going to St Martin, San Juan and CoCo Cay---Can we use debit/credit cards on the islands or will we need cash? Can we use American cash or will need something else?

[taglovestocruise]

1 minute ago, kkat10 said:

 I am trying to decide how much cash to take with us. Are there any ATM's on the ship or islands? We will be going to St Martin, San Juan and CoCo Cay---Can we use debit/credit cards on the islands or will we need cash? Can we use American cash or will need something else?

Yes ATM's are on the ship but usually cheaper to get cash from the casino. US dollars and Credit/debit cards ok at ST. Martin and San Juan.  Coco Cay is sea pass card only. 

[stevea36]

32 minutes ago, taglovestocruise said:

Yes ATM's are on the ship but usually cheaper to get cash from the casino. US dollars and Credit/debit cards ok at ST. Martin and San Juan.  Coco Cay is sea pass card only. 

They will also cash one personal check for up to, I think $200, for you at Customer Service (US bank, check must have address on it, etc).

 

[WI-Cruiser]

1 hour ago, kkat10 said:

 I am trying to decide how much cash to take with us. Are there any ATM's on the ship or islands? We will be going to St Martin, San Juan and CoCo Cay---Can we use debit/credit cards on the islands or will we need cash? Can we use American cash or will need something else?

We always bring enough cash for small transactions but in the past have gotten cash from the Casino (charged against your onboard account).  For larger transactions and emergencies we carry one credit card off the ship (we leave a second onboard just in case).  You should notify your bank that you're traveling overseas so they don't flag the account.  I would never recommend using a debit card except at the onboard ATM's (likely a large fee so be prepared).  Debit cards don't have the same protections as credit cards if lost or stolen.

[LeeW]

Coco Cay won't need any cash except maybe a tip or purchase from local vendors.

 

San Juan is part of the United States.  They use US $.  A few shops might take euros, pounds, or EC dollars if you have them, just like most ports will accept several currencies.  If you go to the forts and have a US Park Pass, take it with you since the forts are part of the National Park system.

 

St Martin/Sant Maarten have two different currencies (you will likely dock on the Dutch side), but in practice you will only see US dollars.

 

Except for street vendors, shops will take credit cards everywhere in the Caribbean.  We don't take our debit cards on shore anywhere except if using an ATM.  Haven't spent more than $100 in a port in about five years but we will take several hundred plus a credit card off the ship in most ports in case we see something unique.