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Re: Carrying Cash [Re: silverfox82] #30895
12/31/2014 08:43 AM
12/31/2014 08:43 AM
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 4,220
self-quarantine
Rasputin Offline
Traveler
Rasputin  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 4,220
self-quarantine
One thing I learned from this thread is that if you ever
rob SilverFox, don't worry about his wallet, get his belt ! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/jester.gif" alt="" />


Rah Rah Rasputin
They put some poison into his wine
He drank it all and said "I feel fine"
SXM Sponsors
Re: Carrying Cash [Re: Rasputin] #30896
12/31/2014 08:54 AM
12/31/2014 08:54 AM
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 2,004
sebastian florida
silverfox82 Offline
Traveler
silverfox82  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 2,004
sebastian florida
And do it early in my trip. the belts empty rather quickly!

Re: Carrying Cash [Re: silverfox82] #30897
12/31/2014 09:54 AM
12/31/2014 09:54 AM
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 142
Ontario
C
Canuck54 Offline
Traveler
Canuck54  Offline
Traveler
C
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 142
Ontario
Again people please caution!! This thread is a feast for any SXM criminal. Your financial tendencies and your likenesses are displayed for ALL to see. Be aware of what you tell the world.

Re: Carrying Cash [Re: Canuck54] #30898
12/31/2014 10:29 AM
12/31/2014 10:29 AM
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 4,220
self-quarantine
Rasputin Offline
Traveler
Rasputin  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 4,220
self-quarantine
words of wisdom from Goderich, Ontario, Canada.


Rah Rah Rasputin
They put some poison into his wine
He drank it all and said "I feel fine"
Re: Carrying Cash [Re: Rasputin] #30899
12/31/2014 10:37 AM
12/31/2014 10:37 AM
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 13,398
Peaceful Eastern North Carolin...
GaKaye Offline
Traveler
GaKaye  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 13,398
Peaceful Eastern North Carolin...
IP lookups are not always accurate. Mine comes up as New Jersey.

Re: Carrying Cash [Re: GaKaye] #30900
12/31/2014 11:25 AM
12/31/2014 11:25 AM
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 4,220
self-quarantine
Rasputin Offline
Traveler
Rasputin  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 4,220
self-quarantine
You got that right. I'm not really in India at the moment.


Rah Rah Rasputin
They put some poison into his wine
He drank it all and said "I feel fine"
Re: Carrying Cash [Re: GaKaye] #30901
12/31/2014 11:30 AM
12/31/2014 11:30 AM
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 4,220
self-quarantine
Rasputin Offline
Traveler
Rasputin  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 4,220
self-quarantine
Quote
GaKaye said:
IP lookups are not always accurate. Mine comes up as New Jersey.


Actually, yours currently comes up as Fayetteville, North Carolina.


Rah Rah Rasputin
They put some poison into his wine
He drank it all and said "I feel fine"
Re: Carrying Cash [Re: Rasputin] #30902
12/31/2014 11:43 AM
12/31/2014 11:43 AM
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 7,376
SXMWendell Offline
Traveler
SXMWendell  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 7,376
So you celebrating New Year in India?

SXM??? Wendell

Re: Carrying Cash [Re: SXMWendell] #30903
12/31/2014 11:48 AM
12/31/2014 11:48 AM
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 4,220
self-quarantine
Rasputin Offline
Traveler
Rasputin  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 4,220
self-quarantine
Beam me up, Scotty.

Think it is too late for Australia?


Rah Rah Rasputin
They put some poison into his wine
He drank it all and said "I feel fine"
Re: Carrying Cash [Re: Rasputin] #30904
12/31/2014 11:51 AM
12/31/2014 11:51 AM
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 4,220
self-quarantine
Rasputin Offline
Traveler
Rasputin  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 4,220
self-quarantine
Maybe with Dorothy and Toto.
Are they still in Kansas?


Rah Rah Rasputin
They put some poison into his wine
He drank it all and said "I feel fine"
Re: Carrying Cash [Re: Rasputin] #30905
12/31/2014 11:59 AM
12/31/2014 11:59 AM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,471
Central Florida!
Carol_Hill Offline
Traveler
Carol_Hill  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,471
Central Florida!
Yo, Raspy, enough already...


Carol Hill
Re: Carrying Cash [Re: Susieville] #30906
12/31/2014 10:10 PM
12/31/2014 10:10 PM
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 17
Kansas
T
TeriDavis Offline
Traveler
TeriDavis  Offline
Traveler
T
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 17
Kansas
I got a notice from Belair Beach Hotel that as of January 30th businesses will no longer be accepting Travelers Checks.



[Linked Image]
Re: Carrying Cash [Re: TeriDavis] #30907
01/04/2015 07:43 PM
01/04/2015 07:43 PM
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,250
sxmsandbum Offline
Traveler
sxmsandbum  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,250
Quote
TeriDavis said:
I got a notice from Belair Beach Hotel that as of January 30th businesses will no longer be accepting Travelers Checks.



All businesses or just Belair?

Re: Carrying Cash [Re: sxmsandbum] #30908
01/04/2015 07:54 PM
01/04/2015 07:54 PM
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 4,864
Portland, OR
jazzgal Offline
Traveler
jazzgal  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 4,864
Portland, OR
Some don't, some still do. It all depends upon where they bank as some banks have stopped accepting TCs. Your best bet is to call the businesses in question and ask them direct.


[Linked Image]
Re: Carrying Cash [Re: sxmsandbum] #30909
01/04/2015 07:56 PM
01/04/2015 07:56 PM
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 17
Kansas
T
TeriDavis Offline
Traveler
TeriDavis  Offline
Traveler
T
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 17
Kansas
The note said all businesses. True or not l don't know!!



[Linked Image]
Re: Carrying Cash [Re: TeriDavis] #30910
01/04/2015 08:10 PM
01/04/2015 08:10 PM
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,635
Brookfield, CT.
pat Offline
Traveler
pat  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,635
Brookfield, CT.
Teri,

We returned home from the island on 12/13 and we were able to use TCs at many locations. Perhaps the Belair was referring to all businesses at the Belair.

Our favorite island restaurant no longer accepts them and he said it's because the bank he deals with won't, but at the same time, our favorite jeweler, among other locations we shopped while there and at least two casinos and one major grocery store, had no problems with accepting them. <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."
Re: Carrying Cash [Re: markis] #30911
01/04/2015 11:52 PM
01/04/2015 11:52 PM
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 206
Burlington Ontario
theonz Offline
Traveler
theonz  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 206
Burlington Ontario
do as you would at home and you will be fine...happy holidays <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Kiss.gif" alt="" />

Last edited by theonz; 01/04/2015 11:53 PM.
Re: Carrying Cash [Re: theonz] #30912
01/05/2015 10:37 AM
01/05/2015 10:37 AM
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 92
R
rusticchisler Offline
Traveler
rusticchisler  Offline
Traveler
R
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 92
Quote
theonz said:
do as you would at home and you will be fine...happy holidays <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Kiss.gif" alt="" />
Best advice I have heard yet... reminds me of something my Mother would have said.
Thanks and Happy New Year!

Re: Carrying Cash [Re: ChunkyDunkin] #30913
01/05/2015 02:24 PM
01/05/2015 02:24 PM
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 815
ME
singbeach Offline
Traveler
singbeach  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 815
ME
No 3% fee to use and no "conversion" fee either?

Re: Carrying Cash [Re: FlamingoPete] #30914
01/05/2015 02:27 PM
01/05/2015 02:27 PM
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 815
ME
singbeach Offline
Traveler
singbeach  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 815
ME
no usage fees, but are there any "conversion" or other fees?

Re: Carrying Cash [Re: TeriDavis] #30915
01/05/2015 03:52 PM
01/05/2015 03:52 PM
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,250
sxmsandbum Offline
Traveler
sxmsandbum  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,250
Thanks we don't arrive until end of Jan so if all businesses then would not be good to bring them. I will try to contact a few of our favorite places to see.

Re: Carrying Cash [Re: sxmsandbum] #30916
01/17/2015 09:53 PM
01/17/2015 09:53 PM
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,250
sxmsandbum Offline
Traveler
sxmsandbum  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,250
Anyone on island seen anything or heard any more about the end of Jan businesses no longer accepting travelers checks? Thanks in advance!

Re: Carrying Cash [Re: sxmsandbum] #30917
01/18/2015 10:50 AM
01/18/2015 10:50 AM
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 186
J
JulieandKarl Offline
Traveler
JulieandKarl  Offline
Traveler
J
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 186
We usually bring some cash, leave it in the safe, and if we are going to a 1:1 place, take what we need for meal, taxi etc. There's an ATM in Hope Estates (on the right if you are looking at Simply) that does both euros and usd. Few places take travelers checks. They are pretty much obsolete these days.

Re: Carrying Cash [Re: singbeach] #30918
01/19/2015 08:38 AM
01/19/2015 08:38 AM
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 969
Maine U.S.A.
Modi Offline
Traveler
Modi  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 969
Maine U.S.A.
Quote
singbeach said:
Why do you take photocopies of passports with you?


Don't forget you can register your travel with the U.S. State Dept. which can "supposedly" help in desperate times like lost passport, cash stolen and you're destitute and of course help should a natural disaster occur.

Smart Traveler Enrollment Program
A SERVICE OF THE BUREAU OF CONSULAR AFFAIRS
U.S. Department of State
----------------------------------------------------------
From their FAQ Page - Consular officers at Embassies and Consulates can assist U.S. citizens who encounter serious legal, medical, or financial difficulties overseas. For example, if your passport is stolen while traveling, we can assist you with obtaining a replacement so you can continue your trip. We can also provide the names of English-speaking doctors or local attorneys, provide loans to destitute U.S. citizens, and provide information about dangerous conditions affecting your overseas travel or residence. We also perform non-emergency services, helping with routine passport applications, absentee voting, selective service registration, receiving federal benefits, and filing U.S. tax forms. Consular officers can notarize documents, issue passports, and register U.S. citizen children born abroad. Most embassies and consulates have web sites with more information about their citizen services.
In a crisis situation such as a natural disaster or severe political instability, the Department of State often takes an active role in providing information and assistance to U.S. citizens in the affected area. Visit travel.state.gov for more information.
*Please note that STEP enrollment is NOT considered proof of U.S. citizenship. If you apply for any services from the Embassy or Consulate while abroad, you will be asked by the consular staff to provide proof of U.S. citizenship. (If you are seeking assistance because your passport has been lost or stolen, we will work with you to obtain alternative proof of citizenship and identification.)

Re: Carrying Cash [Re: markis] #30919
01/19/2015 02:05 PM
01/19/2015 02:05 PM
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,348
The Villages, FL
BobandJeana Offline
Traveler
BobandJeana  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,348
The Villages, FL
Only a few places give 1 : 1 on currency and at 1.16 or so to 1 not a terrible issue. We bring only a very few hundred dollars in cash for beach bars and such and charge everything else on credit cards. The safety is worth the slight additional cost. Would not even consider using a debit card on the Island.

Bob
andJeana

Re: Carrying Cash [Re: markis] #30920
01/19/2015 02:34 PM
01/19/2015 02:34 PM
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 538
Sugar Land, Tx
I
IslandBoi Offline
Traveler
IslandBoi  Offline
Traveler
I
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 538
Sugar Land, Tx
using debit cards for purchases, inside or outside the US is silly...we carry some cash and use ATMs (with no foreign transaction fees or service fees) when we need additional cash or need another currency (ie. Euros), and use a credit card with no foreign transaction fees for anything over ~$50

Last edited by IslandBoi; 01/19/2015 02:39 PM.
Re: Carrying Cash [Re: IslandBoi] #30921
01/19/2015 07:08 PM
01/19/2015 07:08 PM
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,613
originally Long Island, NY/now...
irish1223 Offline
Traveler
irish1223  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,613
originally Long Island, NY/now...
We use our BOA atm card to draw cash (in US dollars) as needed out of Scotia Bank, which is affiliated with BOA and doesn't charge us a fee. Otherwise, we use a credit card that doesn't charge us a foreign transaction fee.


Robin & Ed

One’s destination is never a place, but a new way of seeing things. - Henry Miller

Re: Carrying Cash [Re: pat] #30922
01/20/2015 10:13 AM
01/20/2015 10:13 AM
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,250
sxmsandbum Offline
Traveler
sxmsandbum  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,250
Still wondering about travelers checks any one currently on island or back in the last week or two that have heard if true all businesses no longer accepting after the end of this month? I will be there in Feb and don't want to bring them if not accepted. Thanks in advance.

Re: Carrying Cash [Re: sxmsandbum] #30923
01/20/2015 12:12 PM
01/20/2015 12:12 PM
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 13,141
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
islandgem Offline
Traveler
islandgem  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 13,141
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
They are still accepted at numerous places with no problem. We used them last month. There are a few places that have stopped taking them because of the bank they use. All the casinos have no problem cashing them in any denomination.




Re: Carrying Cash [Re: islandgem] #30924
01/20/2015 04:28 PM
01/20/2015 04:28 PM
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,250
sxmsandbum Offline
Traveler
sxmsandbum  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,250
Quote
islandgem said:
They are still accepted at numerous places with no problem. We used them last month. There are a few places that have stopped taking them because of the bank they use. All the casinos have no problem cashing them in any denomination.



Thanks Islandgem but someone posted that there was a notice sent out at I believe Belair stating the end of month of Jan that businesses would no longer be excepting them so was wondering if that was island wide or just Belair. thanks though. Was wondering if anyone there now has seen anything posted at businesses stating this.

Re: Carrying Cash [Re: sxmsandbum] #30925
01/21/2015 01:01 PM
01/21/2015 01:01 PM
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 13,141
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
islandgem Offline
Traveler
islandgem  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 13,141
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
I do remember seeing this in reference to Belair. It looks like that resort is no longer cashing them, but others still seem to have no problems with them. If you are worried, just bring more cash or use the ATM machines that are available all over the island. I still prefer to bring travellers checks since they are known for their safety.




Re: Carrying Cash [Re: sxmsandbum] #30926
01/21/2015 01:56 PM
01/21/2015 01:56 PM
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,635
Brookfield, CT.
pat Offline
Traveler
pat  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,635
Brookfield, CT.
sxmsandbum,

It's not quite the same thing as "being there now and seeing signs posted" regarding the TC question, but I just got off the phone with my island jeweler and he knew nothing about an island ban and he was still accepting TCs. Sadly, as we know, all things are subject to change, and for sure when we're talking about St. Maarten, but as a very busy island jeweler I should think he would know if this was an island-wide situation.

And as I mentioned in my earlier post, back in December, one of our favorite restaurant owners told us he no longer accepts them but only because the bank he deals with won't.

Like you, I was hoping someone there now might have firsthand knowledge but I guess they're having too much fun to be posting on a travel forum right now. <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."
Re: Carrying Cash [Re: pat] #30927
01/21/2015 02:10 PM
01/21/2015 02:10 PM
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 726
New Jersey
NJHarry Offline
Traveler
NJHarry  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 726
New Jersey
A few points from our experience. When we started visiting SXM some 10 years ago, we did use Travelers Checks. Now it has become more difficult to obtain TC's and to use them on the island. Several years ago, we stopped and went to mostly cash.
Secondly, we always used the safe in our villa/hotel/condo for the majority of our cash. Earlier this year, we discovered that our safe was opened and a portion of our cash taken. We have learned from this experience and while we will continue to use the room safe, we use additional tactics to safe guard our cash.

Re: Carrying Cash [Re: pat] #30928
01/21/2015 04:49 PM
01/21/2015 04:49 PM
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,250
sxmsandbum Offline
Traveler
sxmsandbum  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,250
Thanks everyone and appreciate the imput.

Re: Carrying Cash [Re: sxmsandbum] #30929
01/21/2015 05:07 PM
01/21/2015 05:07 PM
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 28
N
NYCGAL Offline
Traveler
NYCGAL  Offline
Traveler
N
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 28
We use CCs most of the time, get cash from ATMs and bring a minimum ammount of cash from home for first day. purchases, have never had a problem

Re: Carrying Cash [Re: NYCGAL] #30930
01/24/2015 01:13 PM
01/24/2015 01:13 PM
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 11
Minnesota
Kent53 Offline
Traveler
Kent53  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 11
Minnesota
If you bring cash, are there banks or other places that will break the larger American bills into smaller American bills so you don't have to carry so much cash? It gets bulky if you have to bring the smaller bills but don't like to carry big bills. Do places mind if you tip in American bills? Do the taxi's at the airport accept American bills?

Re: Carrying Cash [Re: Kent53] #30931
01/24/2015 01:28 PM
01/24/2015 01:28 PM
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 276
North of Boston
Ted_n_Jan Offline
Traveler
Ted_n_Jan  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 276
North of Boston
By larger American bills, I'm assuming you mean $100's.

I have no problem breaking these at regular restaurants. The smaller beach bars might not be thrilled to do it.

Everybody accepts dollars and I have never in 20 years had anyone object to taking them.

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