Hi,

Does any one know that if Credit card (AMEX, Master Card etc) is widely acceptable? Is there any fee associated by US banks or locals for using it over there? Or just cash only which is not safe to carry around.

Thanks,

Rajesh

Rajesh:

if Credit card (AMEX, Master Card etc) is widely acceptable?

Mastercard and Visa, yes.  Discover less so.  American Express, rarely.

Is there any fee associated by US banks or locals for using it over there?

Quite often, yes.  A "currency exchange" fee or something.

Or just cash only which is not safe to carry around.

I don't feel safe carrying huge wads of cash, no.  Seamiles Mastercard for me.

Lol.......guys these islands make the bulk of their income from cruise and land tourists such as yourselves. So trust me, practically every store/restaurant you deal with will accept Visa, Mastercard and American Express.

No one is allergic to cash either so the best bet would be to walk with both but hey if you don't feel like spending your money on something.....CHARGE IT!!!

And it will be charged in U.S. dollars if I'm not mistaken. 

Visa  or mastercard is the best way to go We were only charge an exchange rate in Grand Cayman. We also paid a fee for cash withdrawal but it is still better then carring alot of cash with you. there are A T Ms every where you go and also on the ship

 It depends really on your credit card company, because if you use a debit card as a credit card outside of the US the bank is going to charge you a % of whatever you charged. Some credit card companies also charge you might want to call the CC company and ask them if they charge for using your CC outside the US. I know I used my CC in Grand Cayman and got hit big time by my bank. I always carry cash with me now take like 100 or 200 off the boat with me and leave the rest in the safe on the boat.

Rajesh:

Hi,

Does any one know that if Credit card (AMEX, Master Card etc) is widely acceptable? Is there any fee associated by US banks or locals for using it over there? Or just cash only which is not safe to carry around.

Thanks,

Rajesh

We always pay with cash for our in port purchases.  I think most of the smaller merchants prefer cash, plus I have received a better price when paying cash than if I were to use a credit card.

The reason everyone's having trouble with credit cards in Grand Cayman is because of the negative exchange rate.  $1 Cayman costs $1.25 US - so if you buy something there that's marked, say $10, when you get your statement the charge will be for $12.50.

On another note, bring some cash with you in ports, there are several small shops/street vendors, etc. that will ONLY take cash.  Also, be sure to take small bills because they often don't have change (or at least that's what THEY say!) or will make change in native currency (except for in Nassau - had to go to a BANK for that and even THEY had to go hunt in a back room for five Bahamian dollar bills!! - wanted to bring some home as souvenirs for kids of our friends).

Everyone is saying credit cards are better but i say that cash would be the best. If you shop you can bargain with the price. We use credit cards for lunches and dinners. But i guess it depends on what you feel best with. One more thing, our credit cards has a safety net, If used outside the USA the shut it down until you call the credit card company. So let them know ahead of time