USVI-On-Line

Can you easily use debit cards at most restaurants/shops and for daytrip/snorkeling trips on St. John? I really hate messing with travelers cheques and don't want to use a credit card.

Also, where is the best place to rent snorkel gear for the week. I bought new for me and my husband but the others in our group want to rent.

And last, are most of the restaurants casual enough for shorts, t-shirts and sandals?

4 days to go!

Thanks!

Denise

If your Debit card is a visa or mastercard yes other wise I don't think so.

You can use amex at more and more locations, but waterguy is right, visa mc is welcome just about everywhere. There are some notable exceptions.

I think skinny's only does cash. Donkey Diner is strictly cash. Many excurions/capts take cash or check.

You can rent snorkel stuff at Lowkey which is right in Wharfside (Cruz Bay). You can also rent it at the Westin. We always bring ours so I am not 100% sure of all the options there.

The vast majority of the restaurants are totally casual.

we used our visa debit card anywhere the we went that accepted credit.
fyi, we used it at Starfish and they asked for photo id. Good thing my husband was charging since I didn't have any ID on me!

WOW, you guys are fast on answering!

My debit is a visa so I should be ok.

Thanks!

Denise

I learned one thing that was interesting... Capt. Truman at Fly Away Charters told us that he prefers credit card over personal check. With a credit card he can get paid right away but checks take about three weeks since the check has to be sent back to the mainland to clear.

i think the only place where we couldn't use a Visa or MC was Skinny Legs. I'm not sure about Uncle Joe's.

Denise,
Don't forget to alert your bank or credit union that you will be using your debit a lot out of state. Have fun:)

Ron,
That's interesting regarding Capt. Truman. We are using them in May. I guess we will use a CC. Thanks!

Skinny's takes visa/mc, but the staff hates it for small tabs as they only have one phone line for approvals.Maybe that has changed, but it was still that way last fall.

Thanks for all the help. I think we'll take about 1/2 cash and plan on using the debit card for about 1/2.

Thanks mrsb for the tip about alerting my bank, wouldn't have thought about that.

Denise

We only had one problem with our debit card. When we first got there, it wouldn't work. We had to call the Bank and tell them that we were in St. John. After that - no problems. We normally use American Express.

Most places are totally casual. If you do get dressed for dinner - a casual shirt and shorts or a sundress would work. Have a great trip.