Using your debit card

[julybride2be]

Hello all.. my fiance and i are getting married next Friday and arriving in Aruba for our Honeymoon next Sunday!! We're really looking to the trip. We decided not to go all-inclusive and stay at the Hyatt after hearing so many great things about the restaurants on the island. Since that means we'll have to think more about money and budgeting, I had my fiance call the bank to see about international fees on our credit cards (i've heard about that 3-5% transaction fee). The credit card company said that both his credit cards would be charge the 3% fee, but our bank (Citibank) said he would not be charged a fee to use his debit card. My concern is, is it a good idea to charge things like dinners and excursions on the debit card? I've also thought about traveler's checks, but I've never used them before so not sure how they work, how easy they are to cash in, etc. Any and all advice would be greatly welcomed!!

[TomFrederick]

>>> "on the debit card?"
---- I would not except to get $$ from a ATM or pay your bill at your resort. At most resorts any meal there usually can be charge to your room account.
Have used my Chase Visa Freedom and American Express Costco credit cards without any fees. Some cards charge fees but not those.
Have used American Express Travel Checks at restaurants and casinos without problems. Don't expect places to just cash them. Some resort front desk will cash them for their people.
Would not use a debit card out of the country at restaurants as every few months on one of the many Aruban BB's there is a Post about someone credit or debit number being used again. No worry on credit but on debit they can drain your account. Yes you protest but how long will it take to get your $$ back.

[Arubalisa]

Originally Posted by TomFrederick

No worry on credit but on debit they can drain your account. Yes you protest but how long will it take to get your $$ back.

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
"ATM/Debit Cards:
What consumers need to know about greater fraud risk, card blocking, and debit card fees.

• Debit card liability could cost you a lot -- while credit card liability only $50, by law.
• Debit cards used with signatures make banks a lot of money.
• Debit card blocking a problem. "

http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/credit/cre04.pdf

http://www.kiplinger.com/columns/fitness/archive/2001/ff20010808.htm
"Debit cards. The rules are similar for debit cards, but there are a few restrictions. For example, your liability under federal law is limited to $50, but only if you notify the issuer within two business days of discovering the card's loss or theft. [this would probably be easy if you travel and access the internet daily to check your account balances.] Your liability could jump to $500 if you put it off. And even this cap is lifted if you wait more than 60 calendar days from the time your bank statement is mailed."

Credit cards are widely accepted all over the island. Dh and I use American Express almost exclusively and were never charged the 3% International transaction fee.

[rob o]

If you have cash in the bank (assume you do if you're using a debit card) I strongly recommend traveler's checks.

Accepted most everywhere....can change for cash at hotel desk or casino.

[julybride2be]

Thanks all. I will talk to my fiance about looking into traveler's checks... better to be safe than sorry!

[rob o]

Originally Posted by julybride2be

Thanks all. I will talk to my fiance about looking into traveler's checks... better to be safe than sorry!

Good luck....have a wonderful trip!

[qlaval]

I have used many times the ATM in the Renaissance resort shopping center, the one on the main floor near the Crystal casino (the ATM is facing the Seaport office). I was able to chose between US or Florins currency. There was only a very small fee ($3/$5 ?) for doing so. I'm canadian and the exchange currency rate operation was done by my bank with the currency rate valid on the day of the operation.