Cash vs Credit Cards

[mrem3200]

I guess it depends on your CC but I have never had a problem and always use at least 2 different cards on our trips. I have always thought about calling to let them know we would be out of the country but just never got around to it. IMO it is a good thing to do, a 5 minute call could save much more than that if there are problems, but it is not a must do. Just my $.02.

[Enz]

Originally Posted by Sgroi135

My problem is that most of the CC's are charged in US currency anyway!

If you are not from the US and don't have a US dollar credit card - see if you can get one from your bank. By the time you pay all the additional charges, (sneaky fees and higher exchange rates) you would have off set the cost of the CC. Or you can even go one further and open a US dollar account - the bank may even give you a US dollar CC without any fee.

[Andrea J.]

ATM cards

RE: Atm cards. DEBIT We were in Florida Nov 19 - Dec 5 and partway thru I had to make a visit to the ATM for some green for our wallets. The Card was denied. I called our banker at the Credit UNion we use in Maine.........she rectified the situation by contacting the powers that be that can fix those kind of things. Then later that day she called us back and reminded us that per the credit union policy we need to notify them if we are traveling 1000 miles or more within the usa and all international travel. Apparently there are some foreign countries that the ATM will always be denied.

So, I guess add notifying your bank about ATM usage when in Aruba ans well as your credit card company

[TomFrederick]

>>> "(sneaky) charge called "international fee" is added to your card on charges made in Aruba - 3% of amount."
----- Not all Charge Cards are charging this fee if transactions are in US$$.
Didn't get charged fees in Aruba in June and didn't get charge fees in Bermuda in November.

>>> " credit card in the grocery store? "
---- Have used card at Ling & Sons without any problems. Charge is done right at cash register so card is always a few feet from your eyes. They did ask to see ID.
Now always pay with Travel Checks and cash at restaurants as there the card leaves you for a period of time. In Aruba from many many years being in Aruba and hearing problems think numbers are sometimes copied at restaurants.



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[Andrea J.]

re: restaurants and credit cards.
when we use our credit card at restaurants, my husband "hand carries the bill and the card" to the cashier/location where the card is swiped. the card never leaves his sight.

also too, folks should be checking their credit card activity online to see "mysterious charges".

we check out CITI Platinum Master card every other day or so.
it becomes part of the regular online routine.........death notices, boston globe, credit union checking acct activity, credit card activity.

and

Originally Posted by TomFrederick

>>> "(sneaky) charge called "international fee" is added to your card on charges made in Aruba - 3% of amount."
----- Not all Charge Cards are charging this fee if transactions are in US$$.
Didn't get charged fees in Aruba in June and didn't get charge fees in Bermuda in November.

>>> " credit card in the grocery store? "
---- Have used card at Ling & Sons without any problems. Charge is done right at cash register so card is always a few feet from your eyes. They did ask to see ID.
Now always pay with Travel Checks and cash at restaurants as there the card leaves you for a period of time. In Aruba from many many years being in Aruba and hearing problems think numbers are sometimes copied at restaurants.



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[Edronenburg]

Hi MNWild:

Just a note: Glad that you found out that the Website Members are a close-knit family; caring; and, whenever possible looking out for one-another.

Also, Andrea and the other Monitors put in much time and effort to be sure that it keeps being a highly informative and tasteful Website for all to enjoy.

Enjoy your trip; as you have read, it will be the trip-of-a-lifetime...hopefully...with many more to follow.

Ed

[chrisk]

Originally Posted by Andrea J.

now a good point to remember is that FEE associated with international transactions.

ex: you go to a jewelry store on aruba. You and the jeweler come up with an acceptable price on that tanzanite ring you just HAVE to own, let's say $1000. you whip out your credit card and lo and behold the bill comes and the price is now $1030. So was it really a great deal? (probably) but still, when the cc company adds that fee on it is a rip off.
That extra $30 could have been:
1 dinner in Aruba
6 hands of blackjack or poker ;-)
3/4 tank of gas in your rental car
12 FROZEN cocktails at a happy hour on island.

i am cheap..........i do not like giving the credit card company one extra dime.

This is the entire reason I have the Capital One Ventrue card. It has no foreign transactions fees and no anual fee. --Some cards have fees as high as 5%

And yes. Absolutely tell your credit card company before using the card out of the country. Sometimes it can be difficult to get your card turned back on and they may need to re-issue you a card.

[grazizgreen]

We usually carry travelers checks to pay for restaurants, and activities etc. and use cash for anything else. The only time I think of using the c.card is when purchasing big ticket items like jewelry if something catches my eye and dh turns his back long enough. The casino's usually cash in travelers checks for free if you need actual cash.