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Re: ATMs at island ports?


asmolen
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Hi,

 

I'm going to St. Thomas, Tortola, and the Bahamas on Saturday. I'm bringing cash with me, but if I run into an emergency and need more money, are there ATMs at island ports? I'm sure the convenience fee is outrageous, but it would be comforting to know, just in case.

 

Thanks!

 

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Yes, there are....but you should maybe bring MORE cash than you think you need. There's a safe in you cabin for storage. I am so totally against paying for access to my own money. Cash rocks! The bank will take back the unused cash!

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Since you will be able to use dollars in all these ports, why not just bring some extra cash with you. You do not have to carry it all the time, leave extra in your safe. A good tip is to bring a number of small bills, ones and fives. These are great for tipping and to buy some small things in ports where change might be in local currency. Do not fret St Thomas as it is part of the USA.

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Hi,

 

I'm going to St. Thomas, Tortola, and the Bahamas on Saturday. I'm bringing cash with me, but if I run into an emergency and need more money, are there ATMs at island ports? I'm sure the convenience fee is outrageous, but it would be comforting to know, just in case.

 

Thanks!

 

Sent from my SM-G930T using Forums mobile app

 

You might be able to save yourself some running around and just use the ATM on the ship. All Royal Caribbean and Carnival ships have them; surely many ships on other lines have them also.

 

ATM FAQ, Royal: http://www.royalcaribbean.com/customersupport/faq/details.do?pagename=frequently_asked_questions&faqId=319&faqSubjectId=334

ATM FAQ, Carnival: https://help.carnival.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/1127

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Agree with others to bring more cash than you need. We always end up bringing cash back at the end of the cruise, but no issues there. I only take out what I need at a given time and leave the rest in the safe. Worst case, if you would need some extra cash, probably easier to use the one on board. Just make sure you notify your bank before you leave that you'll be traveling and using the card outside the country.

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I would advise against using debit cards on St Thomas. Used mine at store & within 1/2 hour got an alert from my bank someone was trying to use my card on another island. Cash only from now on.

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I would advise against using debit cards on St Thomas. Used mine at store & within 1/2 hour got an alert from my bank someone was trying to use my card on another island. Cash only from now on.

Yikes! We brought double what we planned on in order to avoid using our debit cards. Bummer to hear someone was trying to use your card.

 

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I didn't read all the replies (because I'm lazy, hehe), but I did see a few saying bring more cash than you think you need and there are ATMs on the ship if needed (avoid the in port ones). Also, be sure to bring AMPLE small bills. Tips, cabs, craft markets etc. may have an issue breaking a $20. We always go to the bank and get at least $100 in small bills, lots of $1s and $5s. I don't want to be in a $12 cab ride and I hand the driver a $20 and he has no change.

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Hi,

 

I'm going to St. Thomas, Tortola, and the Bahamas on Saturday. I'm bringing cash with me, but if I run into an emergency and need more money, are there ATMs at island ports? I'm sure the convenience fee is outrageous, but it would be comforting to know, just in case.

 

Thanks!

 

Sent from my SM-G930T using Forums mobile app

As others have said, take more cash so you have less chance of running low. But if you do need an ATM, choose carefully. A large bank is good, anything else is questionable and only for true emergencies. The bank will typically charge you less for the transaction and is most likely more secure than the ATM in some random establishment. And by the way, check the rates at the on-board ATMs. My understanding is that those rates are quite high and you would do better at an on-shore bank.

 

Stan

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As others have said, take more cash so you have less chance of running low. But if you do need an ATM, choose carefully. A large bank is good, anything else is questionable and only for true emergencies. The bank will typically charge you less for the transaction and is most likely more secure than the ATM in some random establishment. And by the way, check the rates at the on-board ATMs. My understanding is that those rates are quite high and you would do better at an on-shore bank.

 

Stan

 

Good point!! This follows the train of thought of using banks vs. "cambios" for changing currency for better rates. On ship rates are similar to using the ATM at a casino or amusement park. Either way, no mom and pop ATMs. On the ship or at a real bank only.

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I would probably use the ship ATM for extra cash. Typically if you use an ATM in another country you'll get that countries currency. St thomas is an us island but tortola and Bahamas aren't. They may offer a USD option but they may not.

 

 

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