Cash vs. Travelers Checks

[Illyse]

I hate carrying a large sum of cash...but realize some places may not take credit cards. What has peoples experience been with travelers checks? Are they widly accepted? Are they seen by establishments as a pain in the neck? What have others done?

THANKS!

Illyse

[TropicAtHeart]

I used to be one that always used travelers checks and credit cards, but over the last few years I've been just using credit cards and take some cash. The traveler checks seem to be just a nuisance and get converted to cash at some point anyhow. But, that is just my experience. Most places take credit cards and I want the points. In fact, I always fly on points. I do take a few hundred in cash, but that's it. I take a Visa and Amex and my wife does the same.

[jayseadee]

HI,

Since neither place we were renting last November had a safe and we didn't want to depend on the ATM's (especially out in Coral Bay), we took some Traveler's checks. We used our credit card as much as possible, but did use up the traveler's checks, as well.

None of the establishments that we used them hesitated to take them. If it's a pain to them, they didn't let on. I don't remember everyplace we used them, but we did use them at Miss Vie's and Tourist Trap.

Have a great trip!

[Diana2]

I used to use them but never take traveler's checks anymore. I have been told that they (business owners) prefer not to use them. We always take a couple of credit cards (I want the points too) and some a few hundred dollars in cash. We always have a safe in the villas that we have rented so that's were most of our cash is stored.

[Gromit]

I think everyone is dead on with this one. Travelers checks really aren't worth it anymore and most bsuinesses just view them as hassle or don't want to take them.

A combo if CC's and a few hundred dollars in cash will get you by just fine. Almost everywhere takes CC's. Exceptions include Deli Grotto, Uncle Joes BBQ and Miss Vies. There are a few others but that's who I could think of off the bat.

But in general most everyone happily accepts CC's and even Amex is widely accepted.

One suggestion though, the servers generally prefer a tip in cash if paying with credit card. So we generally try to comply.

Just in case Do use the safe at the villa though. Doesn't hurt!

[Illyse]

Thanks for all the tips everyone! I think we'll skip the travelers checks (I had a feeling they would be more of a hassel).

[toes in the sand]

Just a couple of things to consider when using CC's while traveling;

A) Some CC issuers will charge an international fee when used away from home. I checked, my Discover will add 2% to my purchases when used outside the US. They consider USVI international. My Mastercard does not charge international fees.

B) When you use CC's (or travelers checks) the issuer will charge the retailer a fee.

They get you coming and going.
While this information does not help with the original question it is good to know to at least check with your CC issuer to see if they charge you more for the convenience of not carrying cash or TC's

[jayseadee]

Thanks for all the tips everyone! I think we'll skip the travelers checks (I had a feeling they would be more of a hassel).

The Travelers Checks weren't any hassle for us. And I'm sure the establishments that were cash-only preferred our business and travelers checks versus no business.

For us, travelers checks made a world of sense 1) no safe to keep extra cash, 2) unsure of the reliability of the ATM in Coral Bay 3) Cash only gas station in Coral Bay, 4) cash only for taxi's (we were without a car for a few days).

Here is a fairly recent thread with a comprehensive list of cash-only establishments
http://www.virgin-islands-on-line.com/f ... sh&start=0

Have a great trip.

[RickG]

This debate comes up pretty frequently. I'm a cash person and start a trip with $500 in my wallet. My lover is a credit/debit card person and starts with $20 in her wallet. Guess who hits the ATM mid-week?

Cheers, RickG

[jmq]

This debate comes up pretty frequently. I'm a cash person and start a trip with $500 in my wallet. My lover is a credit/debit card person and starts with $20 in her wallet. Guess who hits the ATM mid-week?

Cheers, RickG

Indeed there was a long thread on this topic in May:
http://www.virgin-islands-on-line.com/f ... =travelers

[Marcia (Mrs. Pete)]

We still take traveler's checks but, we are on island for more than two weeks when we go. I feel more comfortable taking them and some cash. We use our credit card as much as possible but tip in cash, pay in cash for most things on travel days (taxi, ferry, etc...). Usually we end up cashing in a few at the bank during the second week. Easy! We've never tried using them at point of sale.

Not a hassle for us, at all.

[Gromit]

Toes makes a good point about the extra fee. I hadn't noticed it before but caught it this time and Vicki and I had a conversation on the boat trip about a CC they got specifically to use on island because they didn't charge the extra fee.

I noticed it on any charges we made in the BVI this go round. I honestly never really paid attention before though so I'm not sure if this was a new thing or not with the CC's we use. This of course is frustrating because everything is on the US dollar and though technically a foreign country there is not currency exchange issue.

Marcia also makes an interesting suggestion, to use the TC at the bank instead of a point of sale. I can definitely see how that would be convenient.

[toes in the sand]

One other thing to consider prior to your trip. Notify your CC issuer (maybe debit card also?) to let them know that you will be using your CC in the USVI. If you don't, they will try to contact you (probably at your home phone) to attempt to verify that these are your purchases and not someone who stole your card or info and using it fraudulantly. This happened to us when traveling Europe. Luckily we were in touch with the person who was watching our house and dog sitting for us. She was able to pass on the info to the CC company and keep our CC intact.

[Illyse]

Thanks Toes! I would NEVER have thought of that!