US Currency?

[PERRY4OU]

Ok, early July cruise coming up, first time, looking forward to it. At ports of call in Jamacia, Grand Caymen and Cozumel, I am assuming that they all take US currency (cash) for their excursions / meals / etc. Is that the case? Do most of you "cruisers" take cash? Travelers checks? Use credit cards? Advice? Thanks.

[hawkeye 68]

Yes us currency can be used about anywhere you are going. we usually have travelers checks along with some cash. if you lose traverlers checks they can be replaced, not so easy with cash. i have found using traverlers checks in cozumel, easy to use, cash for tipping, cabs ect. have fun wish i were cruising too!

[msblackjack]

In Cozumel, when purchasing items with cash, use small demoniations; if they give you change it will be Pesos not US currency; unless you like having a bunch of Pesos (paper and coins for souveniers)

[BobMiller]

I've had no trouble using my credit card in any port. Just make sure the store runs the card in US dollars, otherwise the credit card company can charge you a conversion fee.

American money is very welcome in ports. On our last trip I tried to get local coins as change in all the ports for my neices, but some places the shops only had US currency so it took some work to get local coins.

St Marrtin can be a little different since half of the island is on the Euro. It means that there your American dollars are easy to spend, but the conversion rate does not favor you.

Grand Cayman is another place you don't get as much bang for your American buck. It is a Banking and Jewelery center so don't expect the bargains you can get on the islands or in Mexico.

If you get away from the port areas, you may find your credit card less affective and Traveller's Checks harder to cash, but I have not experienced any problems spending money on any of our trips.

[cherylyoungklein]

We used both cash and Traveler's Cheques and were surprised to receive US Dollars in change at Paradise Beach Cozumel. In fact all transaftions there were in US dollars. We used near exact change US or Pesos) for other transactions using small US bills. We ran low on small bills in Progresso so we stopped at BancMex and converted our Traveler's Cheques to pesos. I think we saw 4 banks in that tiny city! Just a note: Traveler's Cheques now come in $50 and $100...no more $20's! Also the Information Desk on the ship will cash your Taveler's Cheques for you

Have fun on your cruise. You will have an enjoyable time!

[mehawk]

I have used US currency and received the same in change.