Cash/Credit at Eastern Carribean ports?

[rjan67]

Hi All,

Leaving on our first cruise the end of next week and starting to get really excited!:D Just had a question at the ports. I would prefer to put as much as I can on my Visa and use minimal cash. Do most places at the port towns (we are going to be at Nassau, St. Thomas and St. Maarten) take Visa? Ever any problems using your credit card? Can I just get by with cash for nominal things (beer on the beach etc)?

 

Thanks!;)

[*Mach*]

The vast majority of locations will accept VISA but you might want to consider the possibility of identity theft.

I ONLY use cash in the ports.

:)

[jas1178]

The vast majority of locations will accept VISA but you might want to consider the possibility of identity theft.

 

I ONLY use cash in the ports.

 

:)

 

I too have had problems with this twice. However, at the suggestion of one of my Grandparents who traveled the world, we actually have a credit card specifically for cruising (and/or) overseas travel.

[cruisinlarge]

Like Mach , we only use cash in the ports . Just like at home do not flash the cash it can make you a target for theft .

 

If you decide to go with a CC make sure you alert your CC company and let them know where you will be and when so they don't shut you off while trying to make a purchase , thinking it's fraud.

[dprg644]

Like Mach , we only use cash in the ports . Just like at home do not flash the cash it can make you a target for theft .

 

If you decide to go with a CC make sure you alert your CC company and let them know where you will be and when so they don't shut you off while trying to make a purchase , thinking it's fraud.

 

 

I also use cash but notify my credit card company just in case I need to use a credit card.

[cajunchick]

I use only cash in the ports :D

[kicia]

We carry very little cash into the ports and always use our credit cards. This is for the Caribbean, Mexico and Europe. Never had a problem.

[frankhouse]

I too have had problems with this twice. However, at the suggestion of one of my Grandparents who traveled the world, we actually have a credit card specifically for cruising (and/or) overseas travel.

 

What makes this card specifically for cruises and overseas travel any less susceptible to identity theft?

[crow99]

What makes this card specifically for cruises and overseas travel any less susceptible to identity theft?

 

I'd guess nothing, it just ensures that the OP's bank account isn't wiped out ahead of mortgage payments and that they would notice any further debits to their credit card account as the statement would read zero after paying for things.

 

I used my Visa Credit or buying a expensive watch in St Thomas but would personally only use cash for 'normal' purchases and use the casino slot machines if I needed more. Would never use my Debit Card as couldn't risk my actual funds being taken for a period