Money-changing question

[Sayyadina]

Hello! In about 3 weeks we will depart on our first cruise. We will be visiting:

 

Dominica

St. Kitts

Barbados

San Juan

St. Thomas

 

Which take US currency? Which will we have to change to the local currency? Where do we do that?

 

Also, I know we will have to have cash for taxis, etc, but do most shops/eateries/attractions take plastic? Or should we have a bunch of cash on hand?

 

Thanks!

[LeeW]

Not sure if you have already gotten an answer, but generally the Caribbean ports all take US dollars (and seem to prefer them). Puerto Rico and St Thomas are US territories, so their currency is the dollar. Take lots of small bills if you are shopping - much easier than getting change. You will find a lot of small stalls near the piers that specifically are going after your cash. If you decide to take a cab, make sure you know how much it costs before getting in and if the driver will take your cash.

 

Most of all, have fun - some of the islands are very poor but all welcome you!

[gciwo]

Thanks for help anyway.

[Aplmac]

Not sure if you have already gotten an answer,

but generally the Caribbean ports all take US dollars

(and seem to prefer them).

Yes, that's right!

 

I live on Barbados, and I (and everyone else I know)

welcome any and all U.S. currency I can get my hands on.

NO-one kicks it outa bed!!

 

The U.S.Dollar is very welcome here

and you can pay just about any bill on any island, using your US$ currency.

Only problem is that you may/will get small change back

in local currency - not in U.S. currency

(for example, U.S. coins simply don't circulate, but the paper notes sure do!)