Should I bring cash or use a credit card only

[kd901]

This will be my first cruise sailing enchantment of the seas in a few weeks. A friend of mine told me that when I stop at different ports...Cozumel and Grand Caymen to be exact...that if I plan on purchasing anything over $20 that I should pay for it by credit card. Why is that. I was going to use my credit card for most of my purchases and only use cash for tipping and while in port. Should I bring any cash at all or just everything on my credit card. I planned on bringing about $200 in cash just in case.

[2TNCruisers]

Unless i'm making an expensive purchase (ie: jewelry) I always pay with cash rather than credit card for souvenirs in port. I would think the advice to use a credit card would be so you'd have the "buyer protection" that many cards offer in case there's a problem with your purchase.

[cb at sea]

You will need SOME cash--and probably more than you think! Tipping for taxis, room service, small purchases--(some of the "straw market vendors don't take credit cards at all!)

Any large purchases in real stores can be done with CC, but bring more than $200--you can always take it home and re-deposit it!

[Texaswinediva]

You will need SOME cash--and probably more than you think! Tipping for taxis, room service, small purchases--(some of the "straw market vendors don't take credit cards at all!)

Any large purchases in real stores can be done with CC, but bring more than $200--you can always take it home and re-deposit it!

 

 

 

I agree! Some of the small vendors do not take credit cards.:o

And you certainly don't won't to miss out on a bargain.:)

I always need more cash than I think I will, so bring plenty of

ones.

[mrsfuzzmo]

We use cash for anything under $100 in port while shopping. We do use our CC's to pay for excursions when possible. Normally just use cash on islands and we usually will take at least $100/day per couple for "stuff". Food, drinks, souviners (which we barely buy any of anymore), tips, taxis, etc.

 

I guess we usually take about $1000 cash and usually have some to deposit when we get home.

[surfer_00]

i would defietley take more than 200!!! lol. cash talks when you are trying to dicker with vendors! plus my cc got charged an international fee for using it while in mexico, so that is also something to keep in mind!! im thinking we will probably take about 1000 for our 7day coming up.

[arlodog]

Don't forget to tell your credit card company that you are going on a cruise and where you will be going. They are watching closely and if they are not used to seeing charges out of the country they may put a hold on your card until they can contact you to make sure they are legitimate charges! FYI: we always bring some cash and use the credit card in ports for larger purchases and have never had a problems

[silentbob007]

I generally try to avoid using a credit card in port unless it is a reputable store or a place that I have dealt with before. International charges can get funky, especially if you are not sure which currency will be charged, etc.

 

Also, when you bring cash, make sure you have some smaller bills, as many places cannot/will not give you change in USD. It also seems unreasonable to expect business in a foreign country to break large bills where otherwise dollars are readily accepted. I remember drinking at a bar in Costa Maya where, in the span of 30 minutes, two seperate gentlemen left their wife as collateral (not really, but ...) to go back to the ship to break $100 bills.

[satxdiver]

When you use your credit card in a foreign country, the charge will be in the currency where you used the card (pesos in Mexico). The CC will use the exchange rate at the time that the charge is presented which may be several days later particularly if it is advantageous to the merchant! In addition the CC will charge a 2% or more fee for the exchange. Most merchants in Mexico and the Caribbean would prefer cash in USA dollars and will give you a discount.

 

If you take cash, only take lower bills ($1, $5, $10 and $20) as anything more will probably not be accepted. We always take $30+ in ones for tips both on ship for room service and ashore. When you buy something and pay with cash, you have an excellent chance that the change will be in their currency (what are you really going to do with all those Mexican pesos?). Another good reason to have small bills.

 

If you need a lot of money in their currency, go to an ATM and withdraw the needed funds which will be in the local currency. You will almost always get the best exchange rate. Changing cash money can be expensive particularly on the ship.

[Harry and Lucille]

I figure my mad money budget and add about 15%. (my tip. lol) I put a roll of ones in one pocket and a few fives in the other for tips along the way. The rest of the cash consists of a couple of tens and twenties in a money belt. The remainder is in travelers checks which can be cashed in at the desk or the casino before you plan on shopping in town. Large ticket items are on a credit card. (other than the one you use for your shipboard account). Hope this helps.

[cruiserbryce]

as a couple others mentioned...its easier to pay in cash unless you are buyng jewelry or something of that nature that is more costly...cash also gives you an opportunity to negotiate discounts from time to time...

[cruiserbryce]

also...some vendors dont even take cash

[cmarrero1014]

If you do decide to purchase with a credit card don't be surprised for the price to jump on purchases. Because of the merchant fees vendors will often increase the price when you use a Visa or Mastercard. If you try to use AMEX expect them to push harder because AMEX typically have the highest merchant fees.

 

A small warning about cash:

 

Avoid using any stange denomination (sp?) of bills. I had some extra two-dollar bills and dollar coins lying around the house and thought they would be neat for tips. Wrong. Many of the people in the ports thought they were fake :eek: and were reluctant to accept them, even as tips!

[d mc]

Be sure and call your bank in advance of your sailing so they will accept your "International" charges. I have confirmed I need to do this with my bank, otherwise they will deny the charges due to so much fraud these days.