Community Forum

coramagdalene · 05-21-2009, 07:13 PM

We're (my husband, 14 year old son and me)leaving for Aruba on Monday (our first time there). We're trying to decide how much cash to take. So far, we've decided to take $250 in five dollar bills and $50 in one dollar bills for tipping. We've already paid for and reserved a couple of activities. Our lodging is paid for with hotel points. We're staying 6 nights. We won't be visiting any casinos. How much cash do we need and which places don't take credit cards?

Shnyda · 05-21-2009, 08:46 PM

Pretty much all the restaurants we visited took Credit Cards with no issue.

Besides for your tip money, bring a couple hundred extra for miscellaneous and you should be fine.

The gas stations didnt take credit cards if I remember correctly.

*Andrea J.* · 05-21-2009, 08:50 PM

taxis do not take credit cards (unless things have changed since i last was in a taxi)

some of the beach bars do not take credit cards.

some of the snack shacks and take away places (take out) do not take credit cards.

the flea market type places do not take credit cards.

your question is GREAT.

*Arubalisa* · 05-21-2009, 09:04 PM

Tranquilo does not accept credit cards.

Some establishments do not accept AMEX. We carry both AMEX and a Visa.

cindyo · 05-21-2009, 09:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by coramagdalene

We're (my husband, 14 year old son and me)leaving for Aruba on Monday (our first time there). We're trying to decide how much cash to take. So far, we've decided to take $250 in five dollar bills and $50 in one dollar bills for tipping. We've already paid for and reserved a couple of activities. Our lodging is paid for with hotel points. We're staying 6 nights. We won't be visiting any casinos. How much cash do we need and which places don't take credit cards?

Think about these things....We take upwards of $2500 + cash in all denominations and try to stay away from credit cards. Cabs, soda machines, tipping, imop you might need a bit more than $300 cash...just my opinion...

rob o · 05-21-2009, 09:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cindyo

Think about these things....We take upwards of $2500 + cash in all denominations and try to stay away from credit cards. Cabs, soda machines, tipping, imop you might need a bit more than $300 cash...just my opinion...

Actually....for two weeks we take $2500 in traveler's checks and $500 cash. This way, we keep the credit card in the wallet and know what we spend.

*Andrea J.* · 05-21-2009, 09:51 PM

paul and i do pretty much the opposite

we charge everything that can possibly be charged
we can keep a better running balance on our expenditures

we do bring $$ in 1's and 5's for tips for dinners (we hate charging a tip), housekeeping and small incidentals (such as slots hahaha)

lynnw · 05-21-2009, 10:46 PM

No offense but that little cash won't get you too far. As everyone has said, lot of "extra's" llike cabs and such do not take credit. We take about 1500 in cash and the rest credit and pay when we get the bill. Small things like an ice cream cone is easier to have cash.

TomFrederick · 05-23-2009, 09:34 AM

>>> "don't take credit cards?"
----- Would take more cash or American Express Travel Checks. Will need cash for cabs, bus, snack bars, small items. Some shops will not take credit cards for small amounts. And would not use a credit card too freely at every restaurant. For small amounts like for breakfast and lunch would pay cash.
WHY? Every now and then on one of the many Aruban BB's you hear where someone credit card # is used at another place/country after it is used. Yes, you protest and get a refund since card wasn't used but that takes time and trouble.

If you take more $$ or checks get them in $50. And with $50 bills make sure they are the newest one with all the good watermarks. Most resorts have room safes so keep excess money, passports, credit cards in there.

Icandy · 05-23-2009, 11:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TomFrederick

WHY? Every now and then on one of the many Aruban BB's you hear where someone credit card # is used at another place/country after it is used. Yes, you protest and get a refund since card wasn't used but that takes time and trouble.

If you take more $$ or checks get them in $50. And with $50 bills make sure they are the newest one with all the good watermarks. Most resorts have room safes so keep excess money, passports, credit cards in there.

why 50's?

05-21-2009, 07:13 PM	#1 (permalink)
coramagdalene Junior Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 4	Who doesn't take credit cards? We're (my husband, 14 year old son and me)leaving for Aruba on Monday (our first time there). We're trying to decide how much cash to take. So far, we've decided to take $250 in five dollar bills and $50 in one dollar bills for tipping. We've already paid for and reserved a couple of activities. Our lodging is paid for with hotel points. We're staying 6 nights. We won't be visiting any casinos. How much cash do we need and which places don't take credit cards? Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter Share Post on Facebook

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05-21-2009, 08:46 PM	#2 (permalink)
Shnyda Senior Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Gold Coast Villas Age: 33 Posts: 575 Images: 6	Pretty much all the restaurants we visited took Credit Cards with no issue. Besides for your tip money, bring a couple hundred extra for miscellaneous and you should be fine. The gas stations didnt take credit cards if I remember correctly. Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter Share Post on Facebook

05-21-2009, 08:50 PM	#3 (permalink)
Andrea J. Aruba since 1979 Moderator Join Date: May 2007 Location: renaissance island, eagle beach, amsterdam manor beach bar, alto vista chapel, cooks restaurant, madam janettes, big porch at B55 Posts: 12,028 Images: 74	taxis do not take credit cards (unless things have changed since i last was in a taxi) some of the beach bars do not take credit cards. some of the snack shacks and take away places (take out) do not take credit cards. the flea market type places do not take credit cards. your question is GREAT. Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter Share Post on Facebook __________________ Please, I'll have a Grande' decaf Mocha Latte' with a shot of liquid tranquilizer.

05-21-2009, 09:04 PM	#4 (permalink)
Arubalisa Moderator Join Date: May 2007 Location: Boca Catalina Posts: 10,114 Images: 167	Tranquilo does not accept credit cards. Some establishments do not accept AMEX. We carry both AMEX and a Visa. Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter Share Post on Facebook __________________ Aruba Bound! ~ Blogging to Aruba ~ Cat Resource Directory ~ Our-Cruises ~ Pictures of Aruba

05-21-2009, 09:51 PM	#7 (permalink)
Andrea J. Aruba since 1979 Moderator Join Date: May 2007 Location: renaissance island, eagle beach, amsterdam manor beach bar, alto vista chapel, cooks restaurant, madam janettes, big porch at B55 Posts: 12,028 Images: 74	paul and i do pretty much the opposite we charge everything that can possibly be charged we can keep a better running balance on our expenditures we do bring $$ in 1's and 5's for tips for dinners (we hate charging a tip), housekeeping and small incidentals (such as slots hahaha) Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter Share Post on Facebook __________________ Please, I'll have a Grande' decaf Mocha Latte' with a shot of liquid tranquilizer.

05-21-2009, 10:46 PM	#8 (permalink)
lynnw Junior Member Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 6	No offense but that little cash won't get you too far. As everyone has said, lot of "extra's" llike cabs and such do not take credit. We take about 1500 in cash and the rest credit and pay when we get the bill. Small things like an ice cream cone is easier to have cash. Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter Share Post on Facebook

05-23-2009, 09:34 AM	#9 (permalink)
TomFrederick Senior Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Aruba, cruises, Posts: 298	>>> "don't take credit cards?" ----- Would take more cash or American Express Travel Checks. Will need cash for cabs, bus, snack bars, small items. Some shops will not take credit cards for small amounts. And would not use a credit card too freely at every restaurant. For small amounts like for breakfast and lunch would pay cash. WHY? Every now and then on one of the many Aruban BB's you hear where someone credit card # is used at another place/country after it is used. Yes, you protest and get a refund since card wasn't used but that takes time and trouble. If you take more $$ or checks get them in $50. And with $50 bills make sure they are the newest one with all the good watermarks. Most resorts have room safes so keep excess money, passports, credit cards in there. Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter Share Post on Facebook Last edited by TomFrederick; 05-23-2009 at 09:58 AM.