Cash vs. Credit Card

We are preparing for our two week trip to SXM soon! We used to go to the island 2x a year but have not been since 2016 (pre-Irma). My question is .... what do you pay cash for and what do you feel comfortable using a credit card for. We have no exchange fees with our credit card so that is not an issue. Thanks for your insight!

I use a card for anything I can and only carry cash as a backup for places that don’t take cards. Same approach as at home.

Used to be use cash at some places that offer $1=€1 when it was a good deal to pay with USD, not anymore! Some select places might take cash only but otherwise card is good (some places don't take AMEX).

If the business accepts credit cards, I feel comfortable using them on SXM. As someone else mentioned, AMEX is often not accepted, mostly M/C and Visa.

Many of the smaller beachside places don’t take cc’s, like Rosies as of our last time there - and I know Friars Bay Beach Cafe doesn’t - but for the most part we use our cc’s everywhere they’re accepted which includes most of the better restaurants. Gotta’ rack up those air mile points when you can. 😊😊

Same here. FF miles with AA add up. I only use cash if there is an upcharge using a cc.

exactly Scuba....i use my capital one venture x on everything that i can and tip waiter staff with cash....miles, miles, miles

Thank you!

We also use a credit card wherever we can, but always have enough cash for the day, just in case the internet is down, which happens. Also, when on the French side, ask that the charge be put through in euros, so that you get the current exchange rate. Some establishments have their own exchange rate, which is often higher than the official one.

I was in the lab yesterday getting some tests done and Bill had to run home for cash because the internet was down so no CC transactions. It happens.

Same here. Always take enough cash to pay for my meal in case there is a credit card issue. Otherwise, I use the card.