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Credit cards VS Cash
Posted by: Kimbere (---.lightspeed.livnmi.sbcglobal.net)
Date: August 03, 2010 02:17PM

Our trip is almost here!! I'm so excited I could bust. smiling bouncing smiley Wondering if most places on the island take credit cards? We usually only travel with a minimal amount of cash. Just charge everything and that insures the conversion rate. But we don't want to get to SXM and Anguilla and find that most places don't accept cards. eye popping smiley Thanks for the advice! smiling smiley

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Re: Credit cards VS Cash
Posted by: GaKaye (---.rcmdva.fios.verizon.net)
Date: August 03, 2010 03:00PM

Like you, we usually use credit cards, and yes, most places do accept them. However, many places on the French side will give a favorable currency conversion rate for cash, sometimes even 1:1. We always make sure to have enough cash to purchase our meal just in case that's an option.

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Re: Credit cards VS Cash
Posted by: Barbara1 (Moderator)
Date: August 03, 2010 03:16PM

be aware that many credit card companies now charge a foreign conversion fee if you use them outside the USA.
the only one I know that doesn't do that is Capitol One.

[barcann.livejournal.com]

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Re: Credit cards VS Cash
Posted by: Kimbere (---.lightspeed.livnmi.sbcglobal.net)
Date: August 03, 2010 04:11PM

We are planning to use our American Express card where we can, and Visa for the others. Thanks for the info!!

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Re: Credit cards VS Cash
Posted by: Elaine (190.102.1.---)
Date: August 03, 2010 04:17PM

Then you will get hit with all kinds of fees.

Keep in mind, lots of places here are "cash only", so be sure to carry some.

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Re: Credit cards VS Cash
Posted by: WWII (---.nycap.res.rr.com)
Date: August 03, 2010 07:36PM

I would get a Capital One VISA to avoid the foreign transation fees.

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Re: Credit cards VS Cash
Posted by: Barbara1 (Moderator)
Date: August 03, 2010 07:46PM

yep, its the only way to go

[barcann.livejournal.com]

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Re: Credit cards VS Cash
Posted by: SXMNorm (---.dsl.stlsmo.sbcglobal.net)
Date: August 03, 2010 09:09PM

As mentioned the Capital One Visa has no foreign country fees. Charles Schwab Visa also has no foreign country fee plus pays you a 2% rebate to your Schwab account.
We also carry most money in Travelers Checks which are readily accepted and also count as cash at many french restaurants.

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Re: Credit cards VS Cash
Posted by: Jazzgal (---.ptld.qwest.net)
Date: August 04, 2010 01:57AM

Kimbere Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> We are planning to use our American Express card
> where we can, and Visa for the others. Thanks for
> the info!!


I think you will find that the establishments that accept Amex are few and far between.

Enjoy your trip!

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Re: Credit cards VS Cash
Posted by: Kimbere (---.lightspeed.livnmi.sbcglobal.net)
Date: August 04, 2010 08:21AM

We already have a Captial One Visa....whew!!! >grinning smiley< Thinking that will be our main card since there are no fees. I know there are a lot of places that don't accept Amex, so I'm sure it won't get much use. smiling smiley

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