ok here's where test your patience

tipsy · Post by **tipsy** » Sun Apr 11, 2010 6:19 pm

Have a list of places that are cash only that made from all the info got from people here but have a few not sure of, want to make sure have enough cash with us,don't want to depend on the "undependable" ATMs.

Do all the food markets take CC or are some cash only? And which ones take which?

Also, plan on renting fins & vest from Crabbys,do they take cards or cash only?

Just saw some postings @ using porters at STT airport when going home to avoid lines & aggravation, is this recommended and whats the going rate?

Thank you for all the info. Am looking at my suitcase and can't wait till can zip it up and wheel it out the door....

mbw1024 · Post by **mbw1024** » Sun Apr 11, 2010 7:28 pm

tipsy wrote:Have a list of places that are cash only that made from all the info got from people here but have a few not sure of, want to make sure have enough cash with us,don't want to depend on the "undependable" ATMs.

Do all the food markets take CC or are some cash only? And which ones take which? Have not encountered a cash only food market. Not the big ones anyway (Starfish Dolphin Pine Peace Lily's)

Also, plan on renting fins & vest from Crabbys,do they take cards or cash only? can't help

Just saw some postings @ using porters at STT airport when going home to avoid lines & aggravation, is this recommended and whats the going rate? Yes. I forget but I want to say $3 per bag?

Thank you for all the info. Am looking at my suitcase and can't wait till can zip it up and wheel it out the door....

liamsaunt · Post by **liamsaunt** » Sun Apr 11, 2010 7:58 pm

Porter: $20 for two people.

Crabby's takes credit cards.

All the food markets take credit cards, including the convenience stores, though I don't remember ever using my AmEx there, so it might be Visa/MC only.

mahojim · Post by **mahojim** » Mon Apr 12, 2010 2:11 am

Tipsy-
Be sure to say hello to Doug at Crabby's for Amy & I.
Tell him we're bringing down the boomerangs for another try in 2 weeks!
Smiles-
Jimmy

stjohnjulie · Post by **stjohnjulie** » Mon Apr 12, 2010 6:29 am

Some places put a $10 or $20 minimum purchase for the use of credit cards (which usually isn't hard to reach!). Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted, Amex is next, the Diners and Discover (not so much). There are two ATMS at Firstbank and two at Scotiabank, and I haven't heard of them running out of money or all being out of service in a long time.

Safe travels!!!

tipsy · Post by **tipsy** » Mon Apr 12, 2010 8:41 am

Thank you all for the feedback.

Mahojim-will pass on your message, but when we do, it will only be one week for you ! yahoo..

stjohnjulie - thank you, I hope to get to meet you,Pia and Ruth while there, you are all such lovely ladies.

liamsaunt-will only bring MC,have you used the porter and would you recommend it?

mbw1024- aren't you there already? Hope you are enjoying it all. Are you still joining us on the 18th at the Beach Bar? sorry for all the questions.

djmom · Post by **djmom** » Mon Apr 12, 2010 11:26 am

tipsy, the porter will be the best money you ever spent. there is nothing worse than getting stressed at the airport after a relaxing vacation.

liamsaunt · Post by **liamsaunt** » Mon Apr 12, 2010 11:50 am

Yes, the porter is definitely worth it!

mindehankins · Post by **mindehankins** » Mon Apr 12, 2010 12:08 pm

What does the porter do, that's so helpful? We've always made it through customs with some chuckles, and checked in without problem. I'm just so blissed out by this point that I'm about floating off into the thin air

waterguy · Post by **waterguy** » Mon Apr 12, 2010 12:37 pm

When you are using a porter you don't have to stand in the check in line and if it is busy they have their own entrance into customs so you by pass that line to they shlep your bags thruogh custom right up to the belts. If it's busy I get one.

jimg20 · Post by **jimg20** » Mon Apr 12, 2010 7:27 pm

A porter is the best $20 you will spend in the VI..... Except a good bushwacker

JIM

IslandElle · Post by **IslandElle** » Mon Apr 12, 2010 7:37 pm

Where do you find the porter? Is it at the airport or do you have to reserve it in advance?

Bigcheeze · Post by **Bigcheeze** » Mon Apr 12, 2010 8:40 pm

IslandElle wrote:Where do you find the porter? Is it at the airport or do you have to reserve it in advance?

Daphne is the BEST porter...she gave us her card last year and was ready to help us this year.( you don't have to call, she and other porters are curbside) The lines weren't bad (but when they are...a porter is a must)and we had just 4 carry ons and a few backpacks and she got us through very quickly. Perhaps 15-20 minutes and inside the terminal. I usually tip $20-40 depending on how much stuff and the crowds of the day. BEST tip I'd rather not share with too many...lol

brooklyn · Post by **brooklyn** » Tue Apr 13, 2010 7:16 am

Re - credit cards. Plan to call your card company before you go down. Credit card companies are quick to deny charges if they are outside your normal spending area. Also bring a second card in case you misplace, lose or have a problem with the first. More details in my trip report which I hope to post this weekend!

Re - porter. Best money spent!

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