type of payment in ports

tracyjayhawk · #1 (**permalink**) January 27th, 2009, 01:18 AM

We are leaving on the Freedom in less than a month and we are going to port in Key West, Ocho Rios and Grand Cayman Islands. My question is:
is it a bad idea to use a credit card for payment for items in the shopping area? What about at the local pubs? Should we just stick to cash? Any suggestions, greatly appreciated.

thanks~!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
~Tracy

spencercoop · #2 (**permalink**) January 27th, 2009, 01:28 AM

I would just stick to cash. It is a lot safer. I heard a story about a lady and she got charged like 7 - 10 times for someting. So I would just stick to cash. Also everyone will accept cash. Everyone won't accept credit cards.

Kuki · #3 (**permalink**) January 27th, 2009, 02:38 AM

US currency is accepted in all those ports. Make certain to have small bills (you can change large bills on the ship at the Purser's Desk or casino cashier). Most of the small local crafts markets won't even take credit cards.

However, for any major purchases, use a credit card. Your credit card transactions are protected by your card's user agreement.

In 50+ cruises, I've never had an issue using a credit card, and I've used it many countries during my travels.

Manuel · #4 (**permalink**) January 27th, 2009, 09:10 AM

We use cash for small purchases, and credit cards for major purchases.

We have used our credit cards in many countries in Europe and many cruiseports during our cruises, and we naver had a problem.

TM

cutiecat · #5 (**permalink**) January 27th, 2009, 02:05 PM

I usually use cash but if you are going to use your credit card then call the company and tell them where you are going so a hold isn't put on your card.

Sometimes if you use cash the price can be lower (probably not in Grand Cayman or Key West...they don't bargain much). I've been in stores in the Caribbean that charge more to cover the credit card processing fee.

I don't take a lot of cash off the ship, but enough to cover what I think I might buy, and my credit card just in case.

spencercoop · #6 (**permalink**) January 27th, 2009, 06:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cutiecat

I usually use cash but if you are going to use your credit card then call the company and tell them where you are going so a hold isn't put on your card.

Sometimes if you use cash the price can be lower (probably not in Grand Cayman or Key West...they don't bargain much). I've been in stores in the Caribbean that charge more to cover the credit card processing fee.

I don't take a lot of cash off the ship, but enough to cover what I think I might buy, and my credit card just in case.

Cutiecat is right.

Make sure you tell your cc company that you will be going on vacation out of the US.

Also you can probably get a better deal with cash. That is my experience too.