USVI-On-Line

Pia wrote:Deli Grotto in Mongoose is a cash only place

Pia

oh good one! Thanks!

That bank that is on the corner across from Woodys has 2 newer ATMs if memory serves and seemed better stocked than a couple of yrs ago when I think they only had one.
They may be more likely to have cash in them during the week than Fri thru Sunday, so maybe randomly hit them during the week if you are walking by to cash up, even if you dont need it at the time.

I have another way of dealing with this issue that doesn't involve thinking about who takes CC's and who doesn't.

Here's my personal rule for a 10 day trip:

$500 each in cash ($50 a day).

I use CC 's whenever I can and cash wherever I can't.

Due to periodic power outages and empty ATM's I do not count on the fact that I can get cash on a whim.

So If I'm running low midweek I get about another $150 - $200 each just to be safe.

I only carry about $100 at any given time (except on the way down), the rest stays in the safe at the villa. And I use one of those little plastic things on a lanyard to hold my ID, cc's and cash while snorkeling. No one wouold probably mess with it if left on shore, but why tempt anyone?

Finally when we get home, I re-deposit cash (if any) and pay off the cc's.

That's what works for us.

Gromit, you work like me! That is what I'm planning on as well. Just this time around we are going a few things we didn't do last time so wanted to be sure I thought the amount I was planning on was enough.
Didn't know JV ferry took CC's so that is one less thing to think about.

Two other points:
The Coral Bay gas station is cash only and they don't accept $100.00 bills.
Skinny's , as well as many other establishments only have 1 phone line. All cc transactions must get approval, which ties up the phone line. No big deal for a table paying the whole check on one card, but if 4 parties ask for separate checks and all pay with he card, it's a pain in the lower extremities. Not to mention your server has other patrons waiting for a tasty beverage.

JT wrote:Two other points:
The Coral Bay gas station is cash only and they don't accept $100.00 bills.
Skinny's , as well as many other establishments only have 1 phone line. All cc transactions must get approval, which ties up the phone line. No big deal for a table paying the whole check on one card, but if 4 parties ask for separate checks and all pay with he card, it's a pain in the lower extremities. Not to mention your server has other patrons waiting for a tasty beverage.

good to know. we're only a party of 2 so shouldn't be a problem

Thanks for all the help everyone.

Ahh...Mary Beth, I almost forgot to mention that they were having problems with CC machine at Soggy Dollar on JVD when we were there in Aug (I think the phone lines there are less reliable than on STJ).
Despite assurances to the contrary at the time, multiple swipes of card did result in multiple charges which are still not yet resolved, so bring both $ and CC to JVD.
And yes, no problems using CC for the JVD ferry tix that you buy on STJ.

Oh yeah, The max size bill I carry is a $50-- usually $20's and smaller.

AND it goes without saying , but make sure you have exact change for the ferry!

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I try to go 100% cash, since vendors pay a merchant fee on every transaction. The folks I travel with are not afraid to ask for split checks... I don't think folks realize what this costs people.

Cheers, Rick

I noticed when I lived on island, a lot of people traveled more with cash then CC's.......which was strange to me considering all I read is how much CC debt the avg person has......
I agree with Gromit and like that way.......traveling with 100.00 a day in small denominations.........

Deli Grotto at Mongoose Junction doesn't take credit cards.

Sorry Pia, I just read your post re: Deli Grotto. Didn't mean to repeat it.