Spending Money Ashore

[rjstone208]

Asked this question on Ports of Call but got no response. First cruise ever soon to Eastern Caribbean. What's the best way to buy stuff on shore excursions? Debit card, credit card, cash? Any problems encountered with fraud on debit/credit cards?

[Lois R]

I usually use a regular card and/or cash.

My debit card stays home.

 

Nope, I have never had any problems with my credit card.

 

Have a wonderful time on your cruise:)

[Jeanine&Jim]

I have had no problem with using cc, or debit card. Be sure to notify your cc company that you our travelling out of the country on certain dates. It helps them keep track of fraudulent purchases and they won't flag your account if they now you are the person charging in a foreign country. Also I always have some U.S. dollars for small purchases,cabs, tips etc.

I check out Frommers.com to see which currency is used in each port. Usually US dollars are accepted on most Caribbean islands but Europe you will need other currency.

Hope this helps.

[Cincy-David]

I use Debit and Credit in the Caribbean with no problem. Just be sure to use Credit if making any purchase that is substantial (for your personal needs).

 

Debit cards do not offer the same protection as Credit cards if you purchase and then have issues when you get home and need intervention.

 

Happy Sailing.

Dave

[Richiebaseball]

Never use your debit card. Leave the fake MasterCard or fake Visa at home. Use a bank issued credit card.

 

I guess cash is okay in some instances. Small purchases from roadside stands. But nothing beats the protection from using a credit card.

 

Did I mention never use a debit card?

 

Never use a debit card.

[Kathie44]

We never use debit cards anyway, except in our local ATMs. We use our cash rewards, bank issued Master Card for just about everything. I do take some travelers checks, just in case. We've never had a problem using either in the Carib. You can also get cash at the casino using your Sea Pass card and it's not considered an advance, just a regular purchase like everything else on the ship.

We'll be going back to the Carib on Galaxy next Jan. after 4 yrs of doing other itineraries. This cruise has only 2 ports we've seen and 6 that are new.

Happy cruising!

[Kathie44]

Just off the CC topics list--X is now charging a 3% service fee for getting cash in the casino. :eek: A recent cruiser off the Connie talks about it in a new post above. I guess it had to happen sooner or later. Evidently, other lines do the same. The fuel surcharge is bad enough, now this. :(

I just reduced my supply of T-checks on my last cruise. Back to the drawing board.