debit cards

[WAYNE]

Does anyone know if you can use Visa debit cards in Aruba?
I would think so but everyone I asked has only used credit cards.
I don't want to carry alot of cash and was thinking this was the easiest way to go.
Thanks for any help.

[Arubalisa]

http://www.aruba.com/forum/tags/debit%20card.html

I posted this in another thread and am reposting here:

Before traveling with an ATM card, please check with your bank's policies regarding lost and stolen cards. Rules and policies are not necessarily the same as they are with credit cards where you are normally liable for only the first $50 in charges.

http://www.pirg.org/consumer/banks/debit/debitcards1.htm
http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/credit/cre04.pdf

http://www.usatoday.com/money/perfi/columnist/block/2005-05-09-debit-cards_x.htm Thieves love debit cards, so keep them safe — here's how
This is a very long article but spells out in detail the risks of using a debit card.

"Mari Frank, an attorney who represents victims of identity theft, doesn't use debit cards. She uses a credit card for all non-cash purchases. She says she's heard too many horror stories from debit card holders whose checks bounced while the bank conducted a fraud investigation. "The resolution of the problem is so much harder with a debit card."

Credit cards are widely accepted all over the island. Imo, I would use my credit card and have my liability limited vs. using a debit card and allowing dishonest people have access to my entire checking account.

[TomFrederick]

>>> "use my credit card and have my liability limited vs. using a debit card and allowing dishonest people have access to my entire checking account"
---- DITTO. Would use a credit card for resort and shop charges. For restaurants usually use American Express Travel Checks and cash.
Every so often on one of the many Aruban BB's every few months you hear where someone's card # is used again after they use it. Yes since they didn't use your card you protest and the charge is removed. With a DEBIT they could take all your $$$ and how many days does it take to get your $$$ returned??

[WAYNE]

THANKS
I'll use my AMERICAN EXPRESS and then iI won't have to worry so much.

[lizzardo]

I have a background in IT & Finance (a lot of credit card stuff) and would
never use a debit card when traveling! Better safe than sorry.

Also if you are bringing your credit cards - make a copy of the card
or write down the info and put it in a different place in case something
happens. Also good to have a copy of your passport.

[aquaman]

Originally Posted by WAYNE

THANKS
I'll use my AMERICAN EXPRESS and then iI won't have to worry so much.

Wayne,

From my personal experiences please be aware that not all merchants on the island take Amex

Aquaman

[princess]

VISA debit & credit cards are widely accepted in Aruba. The great thing with VISA credit card (at least mine) is that you do not pay any interest on your spendings for the first 40 days. Cheap way to be safe!

[Windy]

I was planning on using my debit card for purchases instead of my credit card (no interest charge!). Bad idea? Have seen a couple of posts warning not to use debit cards. Is this a big problem?

[Andrea J.]

here is the link with some debit card chatter

safe to use debit cards?

i use our debit card in aruba once in a while at an ATM machine.
i think the security of your account is the big problem.
apparently evil individuals could clean out your account and the monies are harder/if not impossible to replace. less safe apparently than using a credit card.

on the menu on the left hit SEARCH and type in DEBIT cards and you will have many reading choices.

andrea

[cindyo]

I would HIGHLY suggest you do not use your debit card...get travelers checks or use your credit card. Far to many issues out there....