Carrying Cash

I have a question in regards to paying cash on the French side. It is my understanding that many restaurants will give a 1 to 1 exchange rate, dollars to Euros if we pay cash. That means bringing quite a lot of cash, and I am not excited about traveling with pocketsful of cash. However I am too cheap to pass up this savings.
Do most of you carry a lot of cash to the island, and then leave most of it in the hotel safe, use travelers checks (yuck), or ATMS? If you use an ATM can you get US dollars?
Thanks,

I take quite a bit of cash but I keep it in a money belt. Great way to hide the cash that looks perfectly normal and still keep it on you.

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.

We bring a fair amount of cash, and generally carry only a couple hundred on us at any one time. We find that most of the places we frequent don't offer 1:1 for cash, so we just use our Visa card for everything. The only reason we carry that much cash is in case the cc connection is down, which does happen, or in the case of a place that doesn't take cash. We prefer to use a credit card because there is absolutely no risk of loss if the card is compromised, while cash can be stolen or lost.

We do the same as GaKaye.

Every few days I check the Visa exchange rate. If a restaurant offers a better exchange rate for cash, then I use cash. Otherwise I use my Capital One card.

Most restaurants do offer a better rate, so this means that we primarily use cash.

We have never used an atm machine. What are the fees. We always had traveller cheques as backup but that doesn't seem to be a good idea anymore.

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.

Re: ATM fees.

We use our Schwab Bank card and it refunds any fees associated with a cash withdrawal anywhere

You don't say where (what side) you are staying. Dutch commercial side and I think most all resorts would have ATM's that will or should dispense dollars. Readily handy casinos certainly do, just take the money and RUN.
If near Oyster Pond Dutch/French, there is a handy ATM (ScotiaBank) in the Westin to the lift of the reception entance that dispenses dollars. I use a Bank of America debit card/account for travel money. They are affiliated with ScotiaBank so no ATM fee. Non-affiliated accounts may have a $3 to $5 fee per transaction.

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="" />

There is Scotia Bank ATM on Welfare Road at the foot of Billy Folly Road. If you have a Bank of America Debit Card you can get cash (U.S. Dollars) from your checking account without incurring any usage fees.

I think it depends on how much you intend to spend while on the island. We take cash for everything but lodging and car rental and keep it in the room safe. When we go out we take what we intend to use on that outing. Any credit card without an international transaction fee would be good for the room and car (like our Capital One Venture card). I take photocopies of our passports with us with the originals in the room safe.

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.

Travelsmith has pretty nice money belts, holds plenty of $100's and look good. The hardware is plastic so it doesn't set the metal detector off, I'm now a "known traveler" so I don't remove the belt anyway so that's not an issue but back in the day I went thru with my shirt out and belt on with no issue. I took 2 belts, one in the carryon in a pair of shorts so the plastic zipper was not visible and was ready to go once on island and the other in the jeans I was wearing, 3K in cash, no problem.

I prefer to carry fifties. Less ostentatious and no one is counting back a bunch of change to you you at a bar.

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.

Lots of great info, just a word of caution, posting personal tendencies regarding money on the Internet??? Just a bit too much information can be dangerous.

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.

Last year before we left for St. Maarten I called Casino Royale directly and asked if they took Travel's Checks in the casino. They told me "no". Then, while we were there last year we saw people cashing their Traveler's Checks in the casino. Go figure!!!!!

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.

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.

The notion that travelers cheques are the same as cash, was invented by a marketing company. Cash is the same as cash. Anything else is not cash.

99% of the local people that live here use ATMs without any trouble. Same as the rest of the world.

(By the way, is an "ATM Machine" mean, "Automatic Teller Machine Machine"? Do you put in your personal identification Number Number?

Life and banking on St. Maarten are just fine.

You're correct. Travelers cheques are not the same as cash. TCs are safer. If your wallet/purse are lost or stolen and all you have is cash...sayonara. TCs can be reimbursed for full value if you retained your receipt.

Regarding atms, there have been several skimming operations busted on the island that were widely publicized. That being said, I still use them in what I consider "safe" areas (attached to a bank, inside casinos, etc.).

Where do you go to get reimbursed?

SXM??? Wendell

I've never been in a situation where I had to get them reimbursed on the island but I believe someone else did here on ttol and mentioned an amex office near Pburg. Whether it's still there; no clue. Worse case, I can reimburse them back home but I'm not out any money.

I would never use any single source whether it be cash, tcs, atms or credit cards as my sole access to funds.

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.

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="" />

I guess I should have ask, How long to get reimbursed?

SXM??? WEndell

According to the Amex website, "never expire".

https://www.americanexpress.com/us/content/prepaid/travelers-cheques.html

Sorry, 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.

Thank you all for these great ideas!
Cheers,

Thanks Islandgem and Pat...appreciate the update. Did you try at any of the restaurants?

Why do you take photocopies of passports with you?

Jic the originals should be lost?

and I assume your regular "pin" as used at home works? Never used ATM on SXM….but if no fees attached, sounds good to me! Thanks.

hmmm, I never took a copy out with me, but do leave original in safe. I guess the safe could be compromised also! Never considered that….

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..

Every few months I pull every piece of plastic (credit cards, license/registration, medical IDs etc.) out of my wallet, drop them on the scanner face down, hit scan, then face up, and scan. I combine the two scans into one image and email it to my gmail account. It's always there waiting for me, along with jpgs of our passports.

I take the photocopies with me for identification. I believe the rule is that you have your passport with you, but am not sure. A photocopy seems like it would be good for ID and if they pushed it, you could always provide the one in your safe within a short period of time. To the OP, we don't take a lot of cash to the island since we spend most of the time on the beach where the resort provides chairs. We get groceries from Grande Marche to maximize beach time. We do eat out a few times in the evening, but usually spend time with friends doing what we do best - talking.

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!!!

great idea..I'm going to do that!

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="" />

And do it early in my trip. the belts empty rather quickly!

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.

words of wisdom from Goderich, Ontario, Canada.

IP lookups are not always accurate. Mine comes up as New Jersey.

You got that right. I'm not really in India at the moment.

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

So you celebrating New Year in India?

SXM??? Wendell

Beam me up, Scotty.

Think it is too late for Australia?

Maybe with Dorothy and Toto.
Are they still in Kansas?

Yo, Raspy, enough already...

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?

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.

The note said all businesses. True or not l don't know!!

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="" />

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!

No 3% fee to use and no "conversion" fee either?

no usage fees, but are there any "conversion" or other fees?

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.

Anyone on island seen anything or heard any more about the end of Jan businesses no longer accepting travelers checks? Thanks in advance!

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.

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.)

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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="" />

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.

Thanks everyone and appreciate the imput.

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

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?

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.