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euros/dollars #206942
10/19/2019 09:20 PM
10/19/2019 09:20 PM
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 7,132
St Louis, MO
SXMNorm Offline OP
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SXMNorm  Offline OP
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Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 7,132
St Louis, MO
Anyone with recent info on whether the dollar is worth more than the euro or vice versa/ Anyone know the exchange rate for restaurants on the French side?


Next SXM visit -November 2023. Also January 2024.
SXM Sponsors
Re: euros/dollars [Re: SXMNorm] #206943
10/19/2019 09:25 PM
10/19/2019 09:25 PM
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 4,673
Newtown, CT
kim Offline
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kim  Offline
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Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 4,673
Newtown, CT
Today’s current rate is 1 euro equals 1.12 US dollar. When on the French side I use my cc and have it charged in Euros to get the current rate.

Re: euros/dollars [Re: kim] #206945
10/19/2019 09:44 PM
10/19/2019 09:44 PM
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 1,225
Middle Tennessee
T
TravelHat Offline
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TravelHat  Offline
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Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 1,225
Middle Tennessee
Originally Posted by kim
Today’s current rate is 1 euro equals 1.12 US dollar. When on the French side I use my cc and have it charged in Euros to get the current rate.

That’s the way to go. Most cards now have no foreign transaction fees.

Re: euros/dollars [Re: kim] #206962
10/20/2019 09:28 AM
10/20/2019 09:28 AM
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 7,132
St Louis, MO
SXMNorm Offline OP
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SXMNorm  Offline OP
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Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 7,132
St Louis, MO
Thanks.


Next SXM visit -November 2023. Also January 2024.
Re: euros/dollars [Re: SXMNorm] #206964
10/20/2019 09:34 AM
10/20/2019 09:34 AM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,466
Central Florida!
Carol_Hill Offline
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Carol_Hill  Offline
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Posts: 82,466
Central Florida!
Looks like you're going very soon, Norm. Enjoy!!!


Carol Hill
Re: euros/dollars [Re: SXMNorm] #206965
10/20/2019 09:45 AM
10/20/2019 09:45 AM
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 18,564
Auburn, WA
SXMScubaman Offline
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SXMScubaman  Offline
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Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 18,564
Auburn, WA

Re: euros/dollars [Re: SXMNorm] #206973
10/20/2019 01:04 PM
10/20/2019 01:04 PM
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 1,155
Cobourg Ontario Canada
J
jeepers Offline
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jeepers  Offline
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J
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 1,155
Cobourg Ontario Canada
They really appreciate cash over credit cards. Sometimes the machines "don't work". Fees are high for credit card machines I think. Just my .50 cents worth, inflation & all . 😁

Re: euros/dollars [Re: jeepers] #206984
10/20/2019 03:52 PM
10/20/2019 03:52 PM
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 18,564
Auburn, WA
SXMScubaman Offline
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SXMScubaman  Offline
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Posts: 18,564
Auburn, WA
Then they should discount for cash. Some do but lots don't.

Re: euros/dollars [Re: SXMNorm] #206986
10/20/2019 04:08 PM
10/20/2019 04:08 PM
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,635
Brookfield, CT.
pat Offline
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pat  Offline
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Posts: 14,635
Brookfield, CT.
We don’t do a lot of meals on the French side of the island these days but we always do our Anse Marcel days via credit card and have them charge us in EUs. It’s never been a problem and the savings is significant. By the time you rent chairs, do drinks throughout the day and then lunch........it all adds up to much more cash than we typically carry with us and particularly so when we go as a family of four plus one! Those bottles of wine on the beach can add up quickly! But OMGoodness! They do taste delicious.


Respectfully,

pat



"Always keep your words soft and sweet, just in case you have to eat
them."
Re: euros/dollars [Re: SXMNorm] #206989
10/20/2019 05:52 PM
10/20/2019 05:52 PM
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 1,880
B
Bahston Offline
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Bahston  Offline
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Posts: 1,880
Every vendor appreciates cash over credit cards. I carry both US Dollars, Euros, and no-fee plastic. I pay in whichever means gives me the best deal.

Re: euros/dollars [Re: Carol_Hill] #206993
10/20/2019 07:55 PM
10/20/2019 07:55 PM
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 7,132
St Louis, MO
SXMNorm Offline OP
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SXMNorm  Offline OP
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Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 7,132
St Louis, MO
Yes Carol,...SOON. Thanks to all for the info.


Next SXM visit -November 2023. Also January 2024.
Re: euros/dollars [Re: SXMNorm] #206998
10/20/2019 11:26 PM
10/20/2019 11:26 PM
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 3,253
Boynton Beach, FL
EdB Offline
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EdB  Offline
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Posts: 3,253
Boynton Beach, FL
In over thirty years of going...I have NEVER ever carried even one euro in my wallet. Plastic and American greenback have always worked well.

Re: euros/dollars [Re: EdB] #207001
10/21/2019 09:50 AM
10/21/2019 09:50 AM
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 18,564
Auburn, WA
SXMScubaman Offline
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SXMScubaman  Offline
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Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 18,564
Auburn, WA
Same here.

Re: euros/dollars [Re: SXMNorm] #207005
10/21/2019 12:18 PM
10/21/2019 12:18 PM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 2,666
MIA
I
irina Offline
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irina  Offline
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I
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 2,666
MIA
I believe that if you have a merchant agreement with a CC, you are NOT allowed to discount for cash.
People do it, but it's not appropriate.
Cheers
irina

Re: euros/dollars [Re: irina] #207011
10/21/2019 01:19 PM
10/21/2019 01:19 PM
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 305
Rhode Island
E
eightzerobits Offline
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eightzerobits  Offline
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E
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 305
Rhode Island
Originally Posted by irina
I believe that if you have a merchant agreement with a CC, you are NOT allowed to discount for cash.
People do it, but it's not appropriate.


Merchants can't charge a surcharge for using a card, but they are permitted (at least by federal law in the US) to offer a discount for using cash. The card brands have guidelines a merchant must follow, but it can be done.

Re: euros/dollars [Re: irina] #207012
10/21/2019 01:22 PM
10/21/2019 01:22 PM
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 3,253
Boynton Beach, FL
EdB Offline
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EdB  Offline
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Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 3,253
Boynton Beach, FL
Originally Posted by irina
I believe that if you have a merchant agreement with a CC, you are NOT allowed to discount for cash.
People do it, but it's not appropriate.
Cheers
irina



Irina....in due respect...i do not think that CC companies have this rule. An owner of any business can dictate the way they can use it. I do believe that they are not allowed to charge EXTRA for using a credit card.....but can discount anything they want. My wife's business accepts credit cards...but does discount frequently for cash. Also...down here in Florida....millions of restaurants offer a ''CASH ONLY" menu ...especially on their ''early birds''. Some will take a credit card, and it is clearly stated an upcharge for X Amount for using credit cards.

Re: euros/dollars [Re: SXMNorm] #207013
10/21/2019 01:24 PM
10/21/2019 01:24 PM
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 3,253
Boynton Beach, FL
EdB Offline
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EdB  Offline
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Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 3,253
Boynton Beach, FL
eightzerobits....i guess we were typing the same thing at the same time. smile

Re: euros/dollars [Re: eightzerobits] #207016
10/21/2019 01:34 PM
10/21/2019 01:34 PM
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,476
Ohio
ruralcarrier Offline
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ruralcarrier  Offline
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Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,476
Ohio
Originally Posted by eightzerobits
Originally Posted by irina
I believe that if you have a merchant agreement with a CC, you are NOT allowed to discount for cash.
People do it, but it's not appropriate.


Merchants can't charge a surcharge for using a card, but they are permitted (at least by federal law in the US) to offer a discount for using cash. The card brands have guidelines a merchant must follow, but it can be done.


Then I know several smaller businesses/restaurants in the US breaking the law if this is indeed fact. We were in a small but very busy bakery a few days ago with a sign indicating a 50 cent charge for the use of a credit card.


J.D.
Re: euros/dollars [Re: EdB] #207018
10/21/2019 01:47 PM
10/21/2019 01:47 PM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,466
Central Florida!
Carol_Hill Offline
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Carol_Hill  Offline
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Posts: 82,466
Central Florida!
Well actually, in Florida anyway, merchants CAN charge more for using a credit card. The Florida legislature passed a law saying they couldn't charge more and it got overturned in the courts. So they can and they do. mad


Carol Hill
Re: euros/dollars [Re: SXMNorm] #207019
10/21/2019 02:06 PM
10/21/2019 02:06 PM
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 18,564
Auburn, WA
SXMScubaman Offline
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SXMScubaman  Offline
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Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 18,564
Auburn, WA
Aqua Mania charges 5% to use a CC. Many gas stations in the US have a cash price and CC price posted at the pump. Usually .10 more a gallon for CC.

Re: euros/dollars [Re: SXMScubaman] #207020
10/21/2019 02:08 PM
10/21/2019 02:08 PM
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,476
Ohio
ruralcarrier Offline
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ruralcarrier  Offline
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Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,476
Ohio
We just got back from a quick trip and in VA many gas stations were 5 cents higher for credit. I have witnessed the 5% charge with AquaMania also.


J.D.
Re: euros/dollars [Re: SXMNorm] #207021
10/21/2019 02:09 PM
10/21/2019 02:09 PM
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 18,564
Auburn, WA
SXMScubaman Offline
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SXMScubaman  Offline
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Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 18,564
Auburn, WA
Friers bay doesn't take CC and the exchange rate for dollars to Euro is over the top in their favor.

Re: euros/dollars [Re: ruralcarrier] #207022
10/21/2019 02:11 PM
10/21/2019 02:11 PM
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 18,564
Auburn, WA
SXMScubaman Offline
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SXMScubaman  Offline
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Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 18,564
Auburn, WA
As my hunting partner tells me rules are only guidelines.

Re: euros/dollars [Re: SXMScubaman] #207024
10/21/2019 02:24 PM
10/21/2019 02:24 PM
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 538
Sugar Land, Tx
I
IslandBoi Offline
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IslandBoi  Offline
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I
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 538
Sugar Land, Tx
Originally Posted by SXMScubaman
Friers bay doesn't take CC and the exchange rate for dollars to Euro is over the top in their favor.


that's why we always carry some Euros when on the french side of SXM and especially in St. Barth...the USD/EUR exchange rates for cash transactions in some establishments can be ridiculous...credit cards usually our first option, but cash if we have to


[Linked Image]
Re: euros/dollars [Re: SXMNorm] #207025
10/21/2019 02:34 PM
10/21/2019 02:34 PM
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 760
Chicago area & St-Martin
ChiTownHarry Offline
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ChiTownHarry  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 760
Chicago area & St-Martin
Google says:

Starting in 2013, it became legal to charge customers extra for using a credit card. Retailers can also require a minimum purchase amount when you use credit cards. But merchants need to follow specific rules when adding credit card surcharges.

Eleven states—California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Kansas, Maine, Massachusetts, New York, Oklahoma and Texas—and Puerto Rico have laws that prohibit merchants from charging consumers with surcharges on credit card transactions.

Last edited by ChiTownHarry; 10/21/2019 02:36 PM.

--ChiTownHarry
Re: euros/dollars [Re: SXMNorm] #207026
10/21/2019 02:41 PM
10/21/2019 02:41 PM
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 5,080
Massachusetts
boucharda Offline
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boucharda  Offline
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Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 5,080
Massachusetts
MANY gas stations have different prices for credit vs. cash

Re: euros/dollars [Re: ChiTownHarry] #207028
10/21/2019 03:34 PM
10/21/2019 03:34 PM
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 4,673
Newtown, CT
kim Offline
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kim  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 4,673
Newtown, CT
We have an electrical business. We have been told it is perfectly legal to add a “3.5% processing fee” stated on the bill if the customer would like to pay by credit card. If they mail a check they can deduct it. I’m in Connecticut. We don’t do much in credit card and get hit with 3.8%. So recouping some is better than none. We thought about just upping our rates but that really isn’t fair to those that Mail a check, which is still about 75% of our business.

Re: euros/dollars [Re: kim] #207030
10/21/2019 03:58 PM
10/21/2019 03:58 PM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,466
Central Florida!
Carol_Hill Offline
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Carol_Hill  Offline
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Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,466
Central Florida!
As the owner of a business myself, I would never charge a credit card fee. I think that a merchant can decline to accept credit cards, but if they accept credit cards, they should do so at the same rate as cash. But that's just me.

Last edited by Carol_Hill; 10/21/2019 04:04 PM.

Carol Hill
Re: euros/dollars [Re: ChiTownHarry] #207031
10/21/2019 04:05 PM
10/21/2019 04:05 PM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,466
Central Florida!
Carol_Hill Offline
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Carol_Hill  Offline
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Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,466
Central Florida!
Harry--as I posted above, Florida's law was challenged in court and overturned. Don't know about the status of said laws in other states, but I believe the lawsuit involved several states.


Carol Hill
Re: euros/dollars [Re: SXMNorm] #207032
10/21/2019 04:10 PM
10/21/2019 04:10 PM
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 933
S
SammyM Offline
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SammyM  Offline
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Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 933
Not sure I agree with the earlier statement that most cards have no foreign transaction fees. Most do. Best to check around and obtain one that pays you back for all transactions as well as having zero for foreign transaction fees.

Always a good idea to exchange some funds for euros before departing. I always carry dollars and euros when visiting St. Martin. For some things having cash is the only thing that may work, such as the cost of a taxi. When dining on the french side always take time and review the menu to see if different prices are listed for dollars in one column and euros in another. This is rare, but it doesn't hurt to check. And, at the bottom of the menu there may be pre-printed language about paying an additional percentage if paying with USD. Of course, the first question you should ask would be "is the price the same for U.S. dollars and euros?" Taking the time to do this can avert some surprises when the check arrives. It is also wise to ask if a service fee is being applied (i.e., 4%).

Re: euros/dollars [Re: Carol_Hill] #207035
10/21/2019 04:16 PM
10/21/2019 04:16 PM
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 4,673
Newtown, CT
kim Offline
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kim  Offline
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Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 4,673
Newtown, CT
Originally Posted by Carol_Hill
As the owner of a business myself, I would never charge a credit card fee. I think that a merchant can decline to accept credit cards, but if they accept credit cards, they should do so at the same rate as cash. But that's just me.

I will disagree with you. There is no law that says I must accept credit cards. If the customer wants to pay by card to get points, why should I as a small business eat the cost for them to do so. They are more then welcome to mail me a check, or pay by ACH via the emailed bill and I eat the 1.00 charge for that. But because we don’t do much with credit card we get hit with 3.8%. That adds up. We are service oriented, not a store and email bills unless handwritten at the time and the customer pays by check.

Re: euros/dollars [Re: kim] #207038
10/21/2019 04:31 PM
10/21/2019 04:31 PM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,466
Central Florida!
Carol_Hill Offline
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Carol_Hill  Offline
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Posts: 82,466
Central Florida!
Like I said, that is MY opinion, as a business owner. If I accept credit cards, I feel the fees are a cost of doing business and I will not charge the customer for it. As a consumer myself, I feel totally ripped off if a business charges me a fee to accept a credit card, so I will never do that to my clients. And it's none of my business why the person wants to pay with a card.

Last edited by Carol_Hill; 10/21/2019 04:33 PM.

Carol Hill
Re: euros/dollars [Re: SXMNorm] #207040
10/21/2019 04:39 PM
10/21/2019 04:39 PM
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 18,564
Auburn, WA
SXMScubaman Offline
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SXMScubaman  Offline
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Posts: 18,564
Auburn, WA
Most governments charge an extra CC fee for paying property taxes with CC. Feds do too.

Re: euros/dollars [Re: SXMScubaman] #207042
10/21/2019 04:44 PM
10/21/2019 04:44 PM
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 4,673
Newtown, CT
kim Offline
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kim  Offline
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Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 4,673
Newtown, CT
Originally Posted by SXMScubaman
Most governments charge an extra CC fee for paying property taxes with CC. Feds do too.

Exactly!

Re: euros/dollars [Re: kim] #207044
10/21/2019 04:49 PM
10/21/2019 04:49 PM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,466
Central Florida!
Carol_Hill Offline
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Carol_Hill  Offline
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Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,466
Central Florida!
And it totally p*sses me off when they do that. As a consumer, I HATE it, that's why I will never charge a fee to my clients to accept a credit card.


Carol Hill
Re: euros/dollars [Re: SXMNorm] #207046
10/21/2019 05:03 PM
10/21/2019 05:03 PM
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 5,080
Massachusetts
boucharda Offline
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boucharda  Offline
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Posts: 5,080
Massachusetts
If your card has a foreign transaction fee then I would look at getting a different card. I used to have ONE that had no fees and now 3 more have joined the no fee group.

Also...in MANY years of going to SXM I have NEVER used a Euro....I have taken them out of an ATM but for a future trip to France just to have when arriving. One to one if available with USD or CC if not is the way to go....

Re: euros/dollars [Re: boucharda] #207047
10/21/2019 05:13 PM
10/21/2019 05:13 PM
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 18,564
Auburn, WA
SXMScubaman Offline
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SXMScubaman  Offline
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Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 18,564
Auburn, WA
I remember years back some shops on the French side would write up the sale in dollars and I had no extra fees on my CC.


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