ATM's...

[cbressler76]

This is going to be a stupid question I'm sure....but the last time I was on an over night cruise was when I graduated highschool and so my parents paid for everything...... do you use visa/debit cards on the islands? or do you use cash only? .....and if you use cash, do they have atms on board?

 

Thanks!

[firefly333]

I think there is a 3% charge to use the ATM on board. I bring enough cash for the ports. I dont trust using my credit card in ports.

[nobody000]

I think there is a 3% charge to use the ATM on board. I bring enough cash for the ports. I dont trust using my credit card in ports.

 

 

agreed and dont rely on the ATM's later in the cruise, I have seen them run out and they do not refill them until they return back to port.

[mxylpic]

This is going to be a stupid question I'm sure....but the last time I was on an over night cruise was when I graduated highschool and so my parents paid for everything...... do you use visa/debit cards on the islands? or do you use cash only? .....and if you use cash, do they have atms on board?

 

Thanks!

 

I wouldn't use the Visa in port unless its really necessary. Many banks are now treating overseas purchases as "cash advances" which means you pay a transaction fee (3 to 5%) and in some cases start accruing interest immediately.

 

You may want to see about getting travelers checks. You can cash either travelers or personal checks at Guest Services at no charge.

[firefly333]

I wouldn't use the Visa in port unless its really necessary. Many banks are now treating overseas purchases as "cash advances" which means you pay a transaction fee (3 to 5%) and in some cases start accruing interest immediately.

 

You may want to see about getting travelers checks. You can cash either travelers or personal checks at Guest Services at no charge.

 

Are you sure they cash personal checks?? Someone on my cruise they wouldnt. I know host mach posted the policy once, but I cant find it.

[Kcarp]

Are you sure they cash personal checks?? Someone on my cruise they wouldnt. I know host mach posted the policy once, but I cant find it.

http://www.carnival.com/CMS/FAQs/Check_Cashing.aspx

[jam82]

I wouldn't rely on the ship ATM's. I have tried a few times and they are always out of money. As a last resort, you can go to the casino and charge cash to your sign and sail. It cost 3%. I would bring enough cash with you. Most of the island shops and restaurants take VISA, but cash is king. It is especially handy for meals, cabs and tips.

[Heirloom]

There's ALOT of theft crime on most cruise-visited island stops.....places in poverty-stricken areas expect it !

 

Many tourists have run into problems using credit cards as a result. So agree with others.....cash is the name of the game.

 

p.s. try keeping your cash in a tough-to-pickpocket location when on land !

[WilliamK99]

We always use cash and only use Credit Cards as an absolute emergency and even then only in shops that are reputable (Such as when we stopped at K-Mart in St Thomas)

 

Too many opportunites for fraud out there and I can just imagine the pain in trying to get those "extra" charges removed.

[salty dingo]

Most of the shops in the ports (the ones tourists frequent) accept credit cards. You can often haggle a better price with cash, though, since the merchant pays a fee to Visa/MC for each transaction.

 

There was an ATM on Miracle in the casino, but you can avoid the fee by getting an advance on your S&S card at any slot machine. You do not need to play the slots, but most people will.

[yogi2929]

...........avoid the fee by getting an advance on your S&S card at any slot machine. You do not need to play the slots, but most people will.

 

Best way to do it, IMHO.

[cbressler76]

Thanks all!!