Let's Talk $$$$

[JT]

Just a quick 2 cents worth, no pun intended,- If you are on the Coral Bay side, remember that the gas station does not accept anything but cash. Also, many of the establishments, like Skinney's, only have one phone line, so prosessing a cc for a $10.00 tab is not only a pain for them, but makes the server take longer to bring me my next tasty beverage. Tips in cash are always more appreciated by your wait-staff and bartenders.
Now, with all that said, I've always been more the cash oriented type, but STJ isn't the same place it was even a couple of years ago. Be very careful flashing your Benjamins around down there.

[RickG]

$100 per day per person is a lot of money, unless you are eating all of your meals out. We do $100 per person per week for groceries and beer and then about $700 for the week for two of us - plus rental car on the credit card.

I could spend $100 per person per day with the 2 of us, but that would be dinner at a ZoZo's style place every night.

Cheers, RickG

[Bob & Anita]

$100 per day per person is a lot of money, unless you are eating all of your meals out.

It's the t-shirts, gifts and activities (such as scuba, boating, etc.), that add up if you are using cash.

[MrsCARolph]

All the opinions shared here have been very helpful, but now I have a question...

While I realize it isn't smart to flash a big wad of cash around in any location, what do you all think about the real safety in St John--Cruz Bay specifically?

My fiance and I will be using debit cards and cash on our trip, but would you recommend avoiding ATMs at night? Are there any other tips re: safety that you could give to these two newbies?

Thanks!

[waterguy]

I've never felt un safe any where in STJ now STT is different there are places that I won't go after dark.
Tom

[sea-nile]

I was never awake after dark.
I always felt very safe.

[flip-flop]

I am w/ you on the CC. I use my Amex for everything because I want those miles. 7 tickets to STJ later its totally worth it to work the miles.

We take about $500 in cash and end up usually getting another $500 from the ATM once we get there. $250 for each of us so we have some mad money in our pockets. And that is with us paying for everything else we can on plastic.

If I were taking only cash and not using credit cards I'd say $150-200 a day per couple. Not including special stuff like boat trips, dinghy rental, etc. I am just talking food and incidentals.

[MrsCARolph]

Thanks for the reassurance about the safety on STJ. I tend to worry about little things like that--I'm sure once we get to the island I'll be too overwhelmed by the heat, sun, and beauty to be concerned! Thanks.