Local currency vs US dollars in the Carribean

[Frankyb1]

Forgive me if redundant, but did search and couldn’t find answers.  Cruise stopping in St. Kitts, Barbados, St. Lucia, Martinique, and Antigua/St. John’s.  Will we need local currency for taxis, shops, non-ship excursions, and  restaurants, or will credit cards and/or US dollars suffice?

[njhorseman]

19 minutes ago, Frankyb1 said:

Forgive me if redundant, but did search and couldn’t find answers.  Cruise stopping in St. Kitts, Barbados, St. Lucia, Martinique, and Antigua/St. John’s.  Will we need local currency for taxis, shops, non-ship excursions, and  restaurants, or will credit cards and/or US dollars suffice?

Credit cards and US dollars are fine.

There's a thread on this board from a couple of days ago discussing this very question:

 

[Hlitner]

Martinique can be an issue as they prefer Euros.  Just bring along a credit card and you should be fine.  If you happen to go into a shop or restaurant and need to use cash, ask them if they will accept dollars before you sit.  The French side of St Martin will generally accept Euros or Dollars.  Over the years (we have rented Condos on the French side) found that a few places really screw folks (with the exchange rate) that uses dollars.  If you are planning to use cash or they are cash only, and they only have prices posted in Euros, it is wise to ask about their exchange rate.  Do not be shy as this is not unusual.

 

 

Hank

[Frankyb1]

Thx for your speedy replies and the link to the earlier post.  I’ve asked the mods to now close this thread.