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Re: Worthless Canadian Dollar
[Re: BrentCummings]
#37118
01/30/2015 09:38 AM
01/30/2015 09:38 AM
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Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,961 St. John, USVI
RickG
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,961
St. John, USVI
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Travelers Checks are dead. Go with a debit card from your American bank. Our approach? $100 per person per day cash. I'm still living on the leftover from our two week trip, but we cooked on the boat a lot more than normal.
Cheers, RickG
S/V Echoes, 2003 Beneteau 423 Grenada
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Re: Worthless Canadian Dollar
[Re: RickG]
#37119
01/30/2015 09:50 AM
01/30/2015 09:50 AM
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Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 62 TN USA
IslandGator
Traveler
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Traveler
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Posts: 62
TN USA
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Brent, We will be down Mid-March and I'm sure your trip will be a blast. First off, I agree with Rick in that AmEx trav checks are mostly dead. Check with your US financial institution first however, what their international charge fees/rates are. Some can and will charge a hefty sum(%) per transaction for CC usage. I personally am a cash guy with a CC/DC as backup. Cheers, and enjoy your trip!~
~Eric
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Re: Worthless Canadian Dollar
[Re: CottageGirl]
#37121
01/30/2015 10:44 AM
01/30/2015 10:44 AM
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Joined: May 2004
Posts: 896
SeaSeaRider
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 896
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The only things we use cash for are taxis, mooring balls, bags of ice or trash pick-up by small boats, food from the Deliverance boat, tips for dockhands, small things like that. Lately, due to credit card fraud at some ferry terminals, we use cash for all ferries too. Never had a restaurant or bar not accept credit card, and like you we only use our Capital One card down there (although I have about 5-7 cards active at any given time working the FF and points offers). We usually take about $500 in cash but always have leftovers. As to the OP question about cash safety, never been worried about it. Just take normal precautions (hide it on the boat, don't carry a lot at once, etc).
Rob
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Re: Worthless Canadian Dollar
[Re: CottageGirl]
#37122
01/30/2015 10:45 AM
01/30/2015 10:45 AM
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Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 62 TN USA
IslandGator
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 62
TN USA
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CottageGirl, You've probably already taken this into account but cash for Taxis and FERRY trips. Also for provisioning boats around the harbors if you choose to use them (ice, sundries). If I recall correctly, you have a fairly large group headed down in March so the Ferry cash outlay could be substantial depending on your itinerary/legs required.
~Eric
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Re: Worthless Canadian Dollar
[Re: BrentCummings]
#37126
01/30/2015 11:46 AM
01/30/2015 11:46 AM
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Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 1,114 West Palm Beach FL
bviboater
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 1,114
West Palm Beach FL
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I know most people think Travelers checks are dead, but as far as I know they are still accepted at most if not all BVI establishments. The businesses like them since there is no 3-5% processing fees (like credit cards).
John
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Re: Worthless Canadian Dollar
[Re: Manpot]
#37128
01/30/2015 12:53 PM
01/30/2015 12:53 PM
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Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 610 Jacksonville, FL, USA
onlymedication
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 610
Jacksonville, FL, USA
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Pull your cash out at ATM's. Carry what you need for the first day or two on the flight down and pull out enough for the next several days when you're in Road Town. Here is a handy-dandy link to a list of the ATM's around the islands. We have an account with Bank of America, which we learned through this board, and confirmed via phone call to our bank, has a relationship with Scotia Bank. This enables us to pull cash out at Scotia ATM's fee free. No need for traveler's checks or carrying huge rolls of cash, just take out enough for a couple days and stop and get more when you need it.
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Re: Worthless Canadian Dollar
[Re: CottageGirl]
#37130
01/30/2015 01:14 PM
01/30/2015 01:14 PM
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Joined: May 2004
Posts: 896
SeaSeaRider
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 896
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CottageGirl said: Never thought about using cash for the ferries. That alone will be about $240 each way for us.
Is it customary to tip a dock person if they help you in? Several months ago, a lot of people had their credit cards scammed when they used them in CA for the ferry. Advice now is to only use cash for ferries. Yes, tip the dockhands. Not absolutely necessary, but I figure they could use the extra cash. Also, I really like the guys at Leverick, especially LeRoy.
Rob
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Re: Worthless Canadian Dollar
[Re: JasonHelmbrecht]
#37132
01/30/2015 01:31 PM
01/30/2015 01:31 PM
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Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 1,198 Cape Coral Florida (Texas tran...
stoneyusaf
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 1,198
Cape Coral Florida (Texas tran...
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JasonHelmbrecht said: Anybody who helps me put a $million boat into a slip without damage and safely ties the lines is worth $20... BRAVO!!! Totally agree! I've been doing mono-hulls and small fishing boats all of my life and when I chartered a Cat in 2013, the thought of bringing it in a slip was concerning to me. Leroy and Tito (think those are their names....I am HORRIBLE at names) guided me in in 2013 and 2014 and their tips reflected the help they gave me. I actually found the Cat to be easier for slips and balls because I let the engines do all the work/steering. Remember...you are getting a VERY reasonable slip, free ice and free water...not to mention the help these guys offer! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" /> (SORRY....I know this is off topic OP.....)
https://www.tickerfactory.com/ezt/d/4;10765;405/st/20220331/e/USVI+and+BVI/dt/0/k/05ce/event.png
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Re: Worthless Canadian Dollar
[Re: JasonHelmbrecht]
#37133
01/30/2015 01:39 PM
01/30/2015 01:39 PM
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Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 482
706jim
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 482
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JasonHelmbrecht said: Anybody who helps me put a $million boat into a slip without damage and safely ties the lines is worth $20... Another vote for a tip for the dockhands. "Dave" at Leverick helped us secure our 47' powercat in high winds and his help was invaluable. Dave's comment? "You LISTENED". Things go well when you listen!"
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Re: Worthless Canadian Dollar
[Re: BrentCummings]
#37134
01/30/2015 01:50 PM
01/30/2015 01:50 PM
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,557 Toronto, Ontario
gordaguy2
Traveler
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Traveler
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Posts: 4,557
Toronto, Ontario
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Hi Brent - the easiest way to work it (assuming you have a Canadian bank and a US dollar account) is to get a US dollar visa or master card - then when the bill comes in pay for it with your USD deposit account. FYI - we built our villa when the CDN dollar was 67 cents so the appreciating CDN dollar worked against us. cheers Brian
GordaGuy2
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Re: Worthless Canadian Dollar
[Re: CGB]
#37140
01/30/2015 05:25 PM
01/30/2015 05:25 PM
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Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 610 Jacksonville, FL, USA
onlymedication
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 610
Jacksonville, FL, USA
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Good points on using credit cards, but keep in mind, you will still need a fair amount of cash. We pay everything on credit cards that we can, and I still budget about $30-50 per person per day in cash. Mooring fees, cabs, departure taxes, places where "the credit card machine isn't working", dropping trash, etc. Also, it's often just easier and more convenient to be able to pay in cash when you're just buying a drink or two, or when a place is especially busy.
Net, net, good to pay with credit cards when you can, but you gotta have greenbacks too, no matter what.
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Re: Worthless Canadian Dollar
[Re: IslandGator]
#37141
01/30/2015 08:09 PM
01/30/2015 08:09 PM
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Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 770 Kansas
captmoby
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 770
Kansas
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I would advise against using a debit card. Stick with a good credit card. If your debit card does get compromised you could loose it all, not so with a credit card. You have better protection with the credit card.
Jim Sailmoby II
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Re: Worthless Canadian Dollar
[Re: captmoby]
#37142
01/31/2015 09:36 AM
01/31/2015 09:36 AM
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Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 1,901 Maine
Breeze
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 1,901
Maine
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it depends on the card and the bank-- the " debit" card I have with my ( US) bank account is a branded Mastercard. Same regs apply as if it were a " credt" card, same security of funds. ( and I was hit in a data breech several times, the bank was AWESOME in being on top of it, they knew before I knew).
I have seen and handled hundreds upon hundreds of traveler card transactions from all over the world, and tourists from every ( yes, EVERY) continent have presented cards that are either Amex, Visa or Mastercard, marked as USD or US Funds.
Interac, the Canadian bank STRICLTY debit card, that one would use solely at a bank associated ATM, is not affiliated with any credit card network, and does not function as a " purchase" card, it only works at at an ATM.
So, yes, the OP needs to know exactly what he is carrying/using.
Breeze.
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Re: Worthless Canadian Dollar
[Re: Breeze]
#37143
01/31/2015 10:46 AM
01/31/2015 10:46 AM
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Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 7,155 GA/NC
GeorgeC1
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 7,155
GA/NC
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Breeze said: it depends on the card and the bank-- the " debit" card I have with my ( US) bank account is a branded Mastercard. Same regs apply as if it were a " credt" card, same security of funds. ( and I was hit in a data breech several times, the bank was AWESOME in being on top of it, they knew before I knew).
I have seen and handled hundreds upon hundreds of traveler card transactions from all over the world, and tourists from every ( yes, EVERY) continent have presented cards that are either Amex, Visa or Mastercard, marked as USD or US Funds.
Interac, the Canadian bank STRICLTY debit card, that one would use solely at a bank associated ATM, is not affiliated with any credit card network, and does not function as a " purchase" card, it only works at at an AT So, yes, the OP needs to know exactly what he is carrying/using.
Breeze. The above is not actually true. A card is either a debit or a credit card. It can be managed by various networks such as Visa or MasterCard but it is still a debit or credit card. If your card debits funds directly from your account it is a debit card. Debit cards enjoy no protection under the law. Credit cards have very robust legal protections. In practice most banks extend protections to their debit cards but it can still be a mess to unravel things when your account is wiped out. Cobranded debit cards can actually open you up to more abuse because they can be run through without a pin. Best practice is to use a credit card and if you have to use a debit card make sure it never leaves your hand. G
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Re: Worthless Canadian Dollar
[Re: sail2wind]
#37148
01/31/2015 05:42 PM
01/31/2015 05:42 PM
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Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,961 St. John, USVI
RickG
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,961
St. John, USVI
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Most of the rest of the world has moved to chip (EMV) and pin for credit card transactions. The pin is used in place of signature. In the US there are very few chip and pin options, but more and more chip and signature credit cards. Visa and Mastercard have set deadlines for change over to chip and signature cards by the end of 2015, but banks are grumpy about it. I just got a replacement Bank of America credit card with the EMV chip. Capital One hasn't done the upgrade yet.
Cheers, RickG
S/V Echoes, 2003 Beneteau 423 Grenada
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Re: Worthless Canadian Dollar
[Re: sail2wind]
#37149
01/31/2015 06:02 PM
01/31/2015 06:02 PM
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Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 1,901 Maine
Breeze
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 1,901
Maine
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Evan, the mag strip on the back of a card carries that information. It isn't something a merchant with your set-up needs to think about. Not every merchant has the same set-up as you have, and most merchants are going to find that their in-house CC processing is going to change to accomodate the EMV chip standard being phased into common useage. The US CC industry is being very slow to adopt the EMV -chip standard, but it IS COMING. Cards that I see from the EU, from Asia, from South Africa, and Scandinavia, and many from Canada, mostly have both the chip and the mag strip, so for now they all work in the swipe technology most of us have in the US. Swipe cards ( mag strip only) are on their way out.
Some larger merchants, especially retailers, and chainstores, use a different swipe processor, requiring interaction with the customer for selesction of debit or credit and input of PIN. Especially when you get into the EBT network, there are whole other levels of authorization and particularly, item acceptance. That is not something you have to deal with in a restuarant.
Breeze
Last edited by Breeze; 01/31/2015 06:05 PM.
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Re: Worthless Canadian Dollar
[Re: SeaSeaRider]
#37151
02/01/2015 08:01 AM
02/01/2015 08:01 AM
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Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 1,431 Bucks County, Pa.
toast
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 1,431
Bucks County, Pa.
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SeaSea rider, very interested in your ferry comment. Twice in my BVI travels, had my CC compromised. I mostly pay cash, so in tracing my steps both times, the consistent charge had been the ferries.....now you mention it and I think.... I must have been right. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Yikes.gif" alt="" />
Toast.......to Life; White Bay...heaven on earth. Diane
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Re: Worthless Canadian Dollar
[Re: tradewinds]
#37154
02/01/2015 02:46 PM
02/01/2015 02:46 PM
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Joined: May 2004
Posts: 896
SeaSeaRider
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 896
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tradewinds said: It seemed to be happening a lot with Native Son last year. We've gone to using cash to pay our ferry fare. Was it just Native Son or was Smith's (Tortola Fast Ferry) also suspected? I can't recall which one of those, perhaps it was both. Never heard of it in relation to Speedy's or RTFF.
Rob
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Re: Worthless Canadian Dollar
[Re: tradewinds]
#37156
02/01/2015 04:05 PM
02/01/2015 04:05 PM
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Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,961 St. John, USVI
RickG
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,961
St. John, USVI
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The big compromise in 2014 was widespread. I've heard from merchants that their payment processor was compromised. The article below also points to malware on POS systems. It hit a lot of folks in the VI. I haven't seen any news of a resolution. http://virginislandsdailynews.com/news/r...crime-1.1732675That doesn't mean that individual merchants don't have their own problems. Cheers, RickG
S/V Echoes, 2003 Beneteau 423 Grenada
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