I have read through many pages of the forum and have not seen anything new related to credit card usage.

My question(s) are as follows;

1). What is the preferred method of payment on the island?
2). Are credit cards readily accepted on both sides?
3). Is there an automated conversion from Euro's to US dollars?
4) The bank tells me Travellers checks are no longer available nor used. What would be my best bet in St. Maarten/St. Martin?

Thank You for your assistance.

AC

Most people use either credit cards or cash. Be aware though that a lot of credit cards..most..charge a conversion fee if you charge outside the USA. Capital One is the main CC that doesn't do that.
Travelers checks are also still accepted although some banks don't issue them any more.
Most places on both sides accept CC but some beach bars and restaurants do not.
establishments on the French side will post their rate of euro to dollars. some places do offer 1 to 1 if you are paying cash.

[barcann.livejournal.com]



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 06/05/2012 09:05PM by Barbara1.

Capitol One and Chase and a couple others dont do it but most credit cards do still charge you international fees if your using your credit card outside the US. Some call them currency convertion fees and some call them international fees even if your charging in US $$ outside the country. Check with your credit card company and if they still do this then apply for a cap One card or one like it. Those international fees can mount up.
Think twice before using a debit card. You can get taken to the cleaners if they manage to clone your card numbers.

1] Cash
2] Mostly
3] No
4] Although not as readily available, TC's are available thru Amex's website. We received ours in 2 days - charged to our card w/a $7.95 shipping charge. Most restaurants and merchants will accept them. One exception was Market Garden. Most resorts and the casinos cash them for guests.

All,

Thank You for your timely responses. Looking forward to seeing the island.

Regards,