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Re: Carrying Cash
[Re: markis]
#30857
12/28/2014 09:07 AM
12/28/2014 09:07 AM
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Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 5,097 Massachusetts
boucharda
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 5,097
Massachusetts
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You will get many opinions (many previous threads) on this so just do what you think is best for you.
We just get cash as we need it from an ATM, usually a couple of hundred at a time, so there is no issue with "carrying a lot of cash" around...simple...have done it in evry country we have visited with ZERO issues. We have NEVER used a CC or travelers checks for anything outside the USA
Edited to add: the "never use a CC is a lie <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Sick.gif" alt="" /> Sorry...if we check out of a hotel, pay TS tax and car rental we use a CC. All other transactions are in cash.
Last edited by boucharda; 12/28/2014 09:13 AM.
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Re: Carrying Cash
[Re: markis]
#30861
12/28/2014 12:32 PM
12/28/2014 12:32 PM
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Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 2,081 Clearwater, FL
Biturbo
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 2,081
Clearwater, FL
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Until 2 years ago, we used TC's, and that always worked well. However, because of difficulties in obtaining them and with establishments on the island that no longer accept them, we use mostly cash, keeping it in the room safe. Exceptions are car rental, hotel and jewelry purchases, for which we use CC's. We stay on the French side and have never used an ATM. Most ATM's on the French side only dispense Euros, but I've read that there is one in Hope Estate that also dispenses US dollars. I'm not sure what the fee is, if any.
I'm going where the weather suits my clothes.
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Re: Carrying Cash
[Re: Biturbo]
#30864
12/28/2014 01:57 PM
12/28/2014 01:57 PM
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Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,657 Brookfield, CT.
pat
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,657
Brookfield, CT.
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We have no problem getting the AE TCs, still a perk with our bank, but because I had heard so much noise about them not being widely accepted any longer on the island, we chose to bring only cash and CCs for our April trip. Each time we dined out I asked IF the places still accepted TCs and for the most part, the response was that they did. Apparently, one of the island banks no longer accepts them but apparently the others still do.
In December we brought half our vacation funds in cash and the other half in TCs and we had no problem using them. Personally speaking, and knowing I can usually use CCs if I want to. I still prefer to carry the bulk of my money in TC form and as long as I can still easily obtain them here at home and easily use them on St. Maarten, I think I'll stick to the old habits which in my case, do truly seem hard to break. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" />
Respectfully,
pat
"Always keep your words soft and sweet, just in case you have to eat them."
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Re: Carrying Cash
[Re: pat]
#30867
12/28/2014 05:04 PM
12/28/2014 05:04 PM
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Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 13,147 Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
islandgem
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 13,147
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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Pat, we do exactly the same and have had no problems using the travelers checks at all. Market Garden is the only place we encountered that does not accept them so we always use cash there. In Grand Case the restaurants that offer 1 to 1 accept travelers checks the same as cash. We never carry a lot of cash on us when we are out either travelling or at home. If we need cash, ATM machines are everywhere and our debit cards are used mainly for everything at home. In Canada, if your debit cards are compromised, the money is immediately reimbursed by your bank just like credit cards by your credit card company so they are very safe to use.
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Re: Carrying Cash
[Re: markis]
#30870
12/28/2014 07:30 PM
12/28/2014 07:30 PM
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Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 2,106 Southport, North Carolina, US
candj
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 2,106
Southport, North Carolina, US
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We usually bring a good bit of cash but only carry about $300 on us at any one time. We keep the rest in the room safe. When possible, we put most of our purchases on our capital one card to avoid the foreign transaction fee.
Fair winds and following seas! SSN691-May She Ever Prowl The Seas in Defense of Human Freedom! SSN787-Preserving Peace, Prepared for War
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Re: Carrying Cash
[Re: islandgem]
#30872
12/28/2014 09:41 PM
12/28/2014 09:41 PM
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,250
sxmsandbum
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,250
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islandgem said: [quote]have had no problems using the travelers checks at all. Market Garden is the only place we encountered that does not accept them so we always use cash there. We prefer T cheques as well but when we were there last spring about 1/2 the places we go to quit taking them while we were there. Good one week and not the next. I think you were just on island but if not if anyone has been there in last 30 days would be curious if travelers checks still usable. Thanks.
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Re: Carrying Cash
[Re: sxmsandbum]
#30874
12/28/2014 10:03 PM
12/28/2014 10:03 PM
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Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 13,147 Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
islandgem
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 13,147
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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We have only been home now for three weeks so yes, less than 30 days, and we had no problem using travelers checks at all. We cashed them at Casino Royale and several other casinos so I know for sure they were recently cashing them.
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Re: Carrying Cash
[Re: sxmsandbum]
#30875
12/28/2014 10:24 PM
12/28/2014 10:24 PM
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Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,657 Brookfield, CT.
pat
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,657
Brookfield, CT.
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We were in SXM 11/29 thru 12/13 and really only found two places that didn't accept them, and while one store in P'berg, The Polo store I believe, told us that no one would take them, our jewelry store, Caribbean Gems took them with no questions asked, as did several other shops on Front Street. We did ask at Antoine's Restaurant, another favorite place of ours but one that does NOT accept TCs, why some places won't take them and he indicated it was one of the island banks new policies.
We cashed them at The Dunes and Atlantis Casinos and also at LGM, all requiring photo ID, but there were no problems or hesitation at any of these places.
Respectfully,
pat
"Always keep your words soft and sweet, just in case you have to eat them."
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Re: Carrying Cash
[Re: sailbynight]
#30880
12/28/2014 11:41 PM
12/28/2014 11:41 PM
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Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,657 Brookfield, CT.
pat
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,657
Brookfield, CT.
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Sbn,
You are certainly welcome to use whatever method of finance that works for you. Go for it.
And I doubt anyone here believes that anything less than true cash is actually cash. But TCs are easily replaced if a wallet is lost or stolen, therefore they're even better than cash in some situations.
Those here who have experienced credit card issues that have stemmed from the island (count me among those people...) or double dipping on their ATM transactions may feel differently, thus the numerous question and answers as offered. We're all entitled to our own opinions and all are welcome to express them here.
Respectfully,
pat
"Always keep your words soft and sweet, just in case you have to eat them."
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Re: Carrying Cash
[Re: SXMWendell]
#30881
12/28/2014 11:47 PM
12/28/2014 11:47 PM
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Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,657 Brookfield, CT.
pat
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,657
Brookfield, CT.
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Wendell,
If you're not able to access a local AE office, there's an international phone number that can be used and within 48 hours supposedly they will ship you replacements.
And I heartily agree with whomever said so, in that a smart traveler will probably use multiple forms of travel funds rather than relying on any one lone source of funds. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" />
Respectfully,
pat
"Always keep your words soft and sweet, just in case you have to eat them."
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Re: Carrying Cash
[Re: SXMWendell]
#30883
12/29/2014 12:44 AM
12/29/2014 12:44 AM
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Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 5,955 NH
SandyandBill
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 5,955
NH
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According to the Amex website, "never expire". https://www.americanexpress.com/us/content/prepaid/travelers-cheques.htmlSorry, just read your post again and realized I misinterpreted your question. The only time I had to have them reimbursed was about 25 - 30 years ago after a trip to Paris. If I recollect, they were reimbursed immediately but I was dealing with my personal bank with whom I had several accounts including my mortgage and deposited to my checking account instead of cash at my request.
Last edited by SandyandBill; 12/29/2014 01:00 AM.
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Re: Carrying Cash
[Re: singbeach]
#30887
12/29/2014 02:39 PM
12/29/2014 02:39 PM
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Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,657 Brookfield, CT.
pat
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,657
Brookfield, CT.
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Jic the originals should be lost?
Respectfully,
pat
"Always keep your words soft and sweet, just in case you have to eat them."
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Re: Carrying Cash
[Re: singbeach]
#30890
12/29/2014 02:52 PM
12/29/2014 02:52 PM
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Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 83,103 Central Florida!
Carol_Hill
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 83,103
Central Florida!
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We do take a photocopy with us. Some people upload a copy online somewhere that they can access from anywhere. We haven't done that, although it does seem like a good idea..
Carol Hill
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Re: Carrying Cash
[Re: markis]
#30893
12/31/2014 06:27 AM
12/31/2014 06:27 AM
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Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 2,037 Westchester /NYC
Colour1
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 2,037
Westchester /NYC
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We found that the best rate is at the airport!!!!We saved a lot of money on the rates. I'm not big on carrying a lot of cash on me. American express traveler checks are excepted most places and on the beaches, but check with the restaurants first if going to Grand Case!!!
Sand Gravity, got to love it!
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