Credit Card or US Cash

[SKP57]

When your shopping in port is it easier to just use a credit card instead of cash? Do the islands take American cash?

[Travel Angel]

When your shopping in port is it easier to just use a credit card instead of cash? Do the islands take American cash?

 

US currency is WELCOMED at most ports of call.... personally I prefer to use a credit card for any major purchases made for protection in case of a problem that can be easier disputed using a c.card. If it is tshirts or other trivial souveniers, I just pay cash though !

 

Make certain if making any major purchases i.e. jewelry, TV's, photo equipment, etc. you know your prices stateside before getting what you think is a GREAT DEAL..... many times the term "Duty Free" makes the buyer feel they are getting a great deal when in fact they could have bought the same items in the US for less ! If shopping jewelry i.e. gold, diamonds, watches.... again go in with knowledge as many times quality may not be what you think if not knowing about diamonds or gems.....Shop Wise and have a GREAT CRUISE !

[dforeigner]

If you decide to use your credit cards outside the US, make sure you notify the credit card company of your travel plans. This way the Credit Card Company will not freeze your account thinking someone is trying to make a fraudulent charge in the Caribbean.

[Travel Angel]

If you decide to use your credit cards outside the US, make sure you notify the credit card company of your travel plans. This way the Credit Card Company will not freeze your account thinking someone is trying to make a fraudulent charge in the Caribbean.

 

Excellent addition for the OP... I can't believe I forgot to mention that as I always advise CC companie(s) where I will be when out of the country to monitor possible fraudulant charges ! I also only use 1 c.card when I travel.

[Keith1010]

Do the same if you have an ATM card. Let the banks know the dates of your trip and where you are traveling to.

 

My only advice is if you are making small purchases just use cash.

 

Keith

[Krazy Kruizers]

We always let our credit card companies know the dates that we will be out of the country.

 

We use our credit cards for large purchases and pay cash for the small items.

 

Always take lots of small bills - ones and fives off the ship for those small purchases. Some of the islands will give you their local money back.

[notentirelynormal]

US cash is NOT accepted everywhere. If you are sailing the Caribbean, yes. Europe, Australia... not so much. Use your credit card.

[hudvalleycruiser]

If you're going to use a credit card, it's a good idea to always use the same card so you can easily track your purchases. Also, be sure to have the clerk run the card within your eyesight...no back rooms, under the counter, etc.

[Kudos2Fly]

So far we haven't had any problem using cash in the Caribbean. We mainly use credit cards for most everything. But we do bring cash with us just in case someone doesn't take credit cards. We use that cash for taxi's and drinks and other small items..

 

That has work well for us.

[Keith1010]

Be aware that if you use credit cards at locations outside the USA that most credit card companies will charge you a 3% fee other than certain companies such as Capital One.

 

Keith