USVI-On-Line

Starting to think ahead....how much cash do you all bring? It sounds like credit cards are not the norm for charters, etc. How about restaurants? We usually live on the credit card on vacay to avoid piles of cash with us. I know there are banks...can we rely on the ATMs? Thanks....Kim

Do a detailed estimate...figure out how many times you'll go out to dinner, how many drinks you'll want out, how much you'd like to spend on souvenirs, rental car, etc. Then triple it.

Seriously, most places take credit cards but some don't take AMEX. So be prepared with more than one option.

..and ATM's are not always reliable...Take cash, divide it up, hide some,etc..and just take what you need each day,etc
I agree with prev poster...you have to figure up YOUR expenses because some people may drink more than others, eat out more, etc...

I've never regretted bringing a lot of cash to STJ- I'd bring at least 50% of whatever your budget is in cash, but that's me.

Cards work for a lot (car rental, most retailers), but everyone (wait staff, bartenders, etc.) appreciates cash more, and, of course, there are some places that only take cash.

LMG wrote:I've never regretted bringing a lot of cash to STJ- I'd bring at least 50% of whatever your budget is in cash, but that's me.

Cards work for a lot (car rental, most retailers), but everyone (wait staff, bartenders, etc.) appreciates cash more, and, of course, there are some places that only take cash.

I agree...I like having cash...thats not to say we don't have debit cards...but it just seems easier...we also like to have the freedom to buy/eat/drink what we want...so for us, the more money the better...

hubby and i learned ther hard way not to rely on the ATM's. we ran out of $ on our departure day and not one ATM on st john had cash in it.

a st john fairy went out of her way to help us .

we usually bring @ $200 in cash per person on our arrival day- good for tipping, taxi's, baggage etc. then we re-up a little cash everyday whenever we encounter an ATM.

the one at love city only allows you tot ake a certain amount each time- like $100. so you have tyo reswipe your card each time if you need to, like, pay a boat charter or something. those fees add up. smart love city! we found out the hard way ($700 per all day boat charter to the BVI's= 7 swipes at the ATM).

you guys are freaking me out, maybe we better start bringing some cash, we've been living on the edge! I think we usually start with $300 to get there with 6-7 of us, which is maybe double the amount of taxi and ferries for our gang....then charge everything and get maybe $200 more out during the week at an atm. The charter we took with Ocean Runner last year took Visa, as did all stops at Jost and Willie T's. Most restaurants take credit, as will the markets. Gas in Coral Bay is cash only as I recall.

If you go with Captain Phil on the Wayward Sailor, I know he doesn't take credit......

LysaC wrote:...we re-up a little cash everyday whenever we encounter an ATM...

Thats a good habit to have while on island: to re-cash at an ATM that you observe to be working, even if you dont need it yet, although you could incur more withdrawal fees that way.

We're cash focused, so usually $500 per head. Back in the day things were either cash or traveler's checks, so we got into the cash habit. I ask for cash discounts on everything (villa, rental car, etc.) and usually get something.

Cheers, RickG

Just for variety, I'll chime in. I charge pretty much everything, and just bring $300 or so. I think its simpler, but I realize there are many different opinions.

I'm with Rick on this one.
Have enough in the ATM situation so's not to worry about said needs, and only hit it when you absolutely have to. Maybe once every other day, so's not to pay for retrieving your own moneys.
I tend to have enough cash while landing on island, but don't necessarily like to carry too much while there. I loved using travelers checks... there seemed to be a comforting situation about them, needing an I.D. and all. Not all the stores/restaurants exercised the I.D. thing, but it just felt somewhat secure.
Make a plan, and stick with it.
Same goes for visiting beaches;-
the more you're carrying,(cameras,video cameras,expensive shades,i pods,cell phones,wallets & cash, etc...) the more you have to lose while you're out & about swimming around.
Don't get me wrong, I'm very trusting & never had any theft issues on STJ, but always better safe than sorry.
Just my two cents-
Smiles-
MJ