La Cabana Question

[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."
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An excellent compromise to a debit card is as Corona mentioned, a pre-paid credit card.
Our soon to be 14 yo has one for incidentals when she goes out with friends and their parents as well as for her two upcoming class trips.

[Angelwhispers31]

I will look into the prepaid card...but still carry the debit card just in case. We will have cash and cheques so its not a big shabang...just wanted to know

as far as credit...we have an emergency card...but Aruba is definitely not considered emergency . We have a home and two cars.....but the debt was just sky high and for reasons of lack of self control (I) we decided that paying them off and cutting them up would be better. We have accounts open..just refuse to request a new card...no card means I can't pull it out in the store....lol awwww therapy does work With six kids it is definitely best for us to be able to spend our earnings on them versus paying the credit cards...it is definitely a personal decision...one that i never regret!!!

Love the information I get here!!!

[Angelwhispers31]

Originally Posted by corona

Have you looked into pre-paid credit card? Personally, I would feel much safer using one rather than a debit card. Congratulations for paying off your debt!!!

Here's a link to an option: http://usa.visa.com/personal/cards/p...vel_money.html

Thanks for this link. I looked it up and there is a place that has them about 10 minutes (walking) from our house!!!! Super...

[corona]

Originally Posted by sunlover31

Thanks for this link. I looked it up and there is a place that has them about 10 minutes (walking) from our house!!!! Super...

That couldn't be any more convenient.

(I just noticed your trip date. I think we're leaving Aruba a day before your arrival.)

[Angelwhispers31]

awww that sucks. It would have been wonderful to meet as many people from the forum as possible

[diva1978]

Just a note - anytime you use your credit card and /or prepaid cards there is a foreign transaction fee, differing amounts with each cc company but typically 3%.......