Using your debit card

[moneytalks]

Maybe I'm dreaming, but I seem to remember having a problem using our debit card at the ATM's in Aruba a few years ago. I think it was because we had a 4 digit PIN versus an 8 digit PIN. We switched to a new bank recently that does not allow us to have an 8 digit PIN (not sure why) so I'm a bit worried about having access to cash. ???

[cindyo]

Bring travelers checks...

[friendlygal]

What does everyone suggest? Does your debit card work at the ATM's or should I bring money down there. I really didnt want to bring a lot of cash on me.

[Andrea J.]

do what you feel comfortable with.
what about travlelers checks?
they might be a good option.

we usually do ............bring about $800 in trav checks, about $200 in cash is 5's, 10's.
and occasionally use credit card.
and....yes use the debit card to make withdrawals if we are running low.
the ATM machines are easily accessible.
i never knew one coould have an 8 number pin?

andrea

[serene56]

if using a debit card--make sure there is no daily limit placed on the card. I have a $200 daily limit.

I also used my debit card last Sept for a dinner we ate. Bank charged me a 3% international fee.

Take cash, travelers checks-- even gift certificates for dinners.

[rob o]

Traveler's checks are great. Casino and hotel desk will exchange for cash.

[Schnauzerjoy]

Funny to hear that checks still exists . Haven't used one in 15 years.

I use Aruba debit cards and International Debit and Credit cards i.e. VISA, Mastercard and Amex in the ATM's here.

All of them have 4 digit codes and all of them works in the ATM's here. (if I have money in the bank, of course).

So the problem is not with your 4 digit code, but rather with your issuing bank.
So give them a call before you leave to make sure that your card is open for International use.

Like mentioned above the only problem is the daily or monthly limit. Make sure that they are voided or at least high enough to never be a problem.

Carsten

[~Amy~®]

Originally Posted by rob o

Traveler's checks are great. Casino and hotel desk will exchange for cash.

I agree!

We use a combo of cash, travelers checks, and credit card (only use the CC for the hotel, car rental, and maybe an excursion or two.) But the travelers checks are easy to use and you don't even need to cash them if you don't want to - we just use them like cash when paying the bill at restaurants, bars, grocery stores, etc.

Over the past few years, the grocery stores have now been asking for an I.D. with the travelers checks so I always make sure to bring my passport with me when I'm doing the grocery store run.

We don't like using the CC's too much because now they're all charging an international transaction fee (3%) which they never used to do in the past.

[Dom]

Not all the Credit Card companies charge a fee for an international transaction. Most, if not all, do charge a fee if the transaction involves a currency exchange. However, if the charge is in US dollars (as most are in Aruba), some companies charge a fee and some do not. In past years I have used a Mastercard from MBNA, but they now charge 3% even if the charge is in US dollars. Therefore, I will not be using that card this year. I checked with my AmEx card (issued through COSTCO), and they do not charge a fee, plus they do cover the rental car in case of accident. I will be using the AmEx for my car rental. In addition a Visa and Mastercard from Chase also do not charge a fee, so I will probably be using them for other charges where AmEx is not acccepted. The only way to know for sure is to call your charge card company and the bank that issues the card.

[Jens-Harley]

Just a word of caution. Our bank card for whatever reason would not work on places that used Aruba Bank but worked fine on international banks in Aruba. We never figured it out but wish we would have had a back up plan such as travelers checks with us.

Jen