Credit Cards in Fort de France

Do most of the shops and restaurants in the town area near the port in Martinique accept credit cards ??

We have a Capital One card that we use when we travel abroad (mostly Europe) that does not charge any "foreign transaction fees" to convert foreign money to USD. We would rather use this card if it is possible (and accepted) than fool around with converting USD to Euros for a short one day visit to Martinique.

Yes, the main stores will take Visa and Master Card credit cards, but not all will take Amex and virtually none take Diners Club cards, so your Capital One Master Card will be fine, though if you have a 'chip and pin' card, you will need to know your pin number as some store might be reluctant to swipe cards which have a chip.

If you do need a small amount of cash, for example for a local ferry, you will definitely be able to use a chip and pin card, and almost certainly magnetic stripe cards, in an ATM, but make sure you check the charges before you leave home.

Take note however, that the banks are closed on a Monday, and in any event, unless they have a bureau de change attached do not offer a currency exchange except by prior arrangement, though the ATM (guichet automatique) will be available.

Even if you don't speak any French try to say something, even if it is only bonjour, and 'la' when you point at something you want to buy and they will really appreciate your efforts. This is because in the same way as the flag is important to you as a national symbol and The Queen is important to us, in France, the national symbol is the language.

Yes, the main stores will take Visa and Master Card credit cards, but not all will take Amex and virtually none take Diners Club cards, so your Capital One Master Card will be fine, though if you have a 'chip and pin' card, you will need to know your pin number as some store might be reluctant to swipe cards which have a chip.

 

If you do need a small amount of cash, for example for a local ferry, you will definitely be able to use a chip and pin card, and almost certainly magnetic stripe cards, in an ATM, but make sure you check the charges before you leave home.

 

Take note however, that the banks are closed on a Monday, and in any event, unless they have a bureau de change attached do not offer a currency exchange except by prior arrangement, though the ATM (guichet automatique) will be available.

 

Even if you don't speak any French try to say something, even if it is only bonjour, and 'la' when you point at something you want to buy and they will really appreciate your efforts. This is because in the same way as the flag is important to you as a national symbol and The Queen is important to us, in France, the national symbol is the language.

Thank you, much appreciated information!!