You've got the general picture. Many---probably most---places do accept credit cards. Many smaller places do not (or certainly would prefer you not use a card for a $7 purchase). Also, cash is needed for taxis, ferries, tips. I think some gas stations only take cash.

We were at Sweet Plantains not long after they opened last year and they were not taking cards. I don't know if that's still so.

There are ATMs, but usually I bring a good amount of cash so I'm not worrying about it. (I think I still use cash more than a lot of people.

Nick, off the topic, what is your opinion of Sweet Plantains? It is a place that looks interesting, and is on our list to check out. Will be traveling to St. John in December. Thanks.

American Express isn't as popular, although I found only one place that flat refused me. A couple of shopkeepers gave me sweet smiles and asked if I could use a Visa - Guess AmEx rates are just so high they don't want that business unless they have to! It's certainly not rude to ask about using a credit card first - better that than a big surprise at check out! Most of even the smaller shopstake Visa/MC - they thrive on tourism, they almost have to. But watch the ATMS...they nail you with an up to $2.50 service charge for each transaction and your bank back home may charge you as well. I live on STX and recently spent 10 days on STJ - I didn't run into problems with getting cash, but I know there are a couple of ATMs on STX that only will let you have a max of $60, which is insane, and you still get charged the service charge regardless of amount You might try to get your daily cash withdrawal limit raised by your bank prior to leaving - STJ ain't cheap, you can plow through quite a bit of cash pretty quickly on nickel and dime stuff. Better one good sized transaction with a fee than one a day, you know? However, I would say utilize the ATMs and don't bother with Traveler's checks...they are a pain to get cashed in the islands. The day sails, etc., will take credit cards.

Sandy - I'm not Nick but I live on the Coral Bay side of STJ and my hubby and I LOVE Sweet Plantains - wonderful, wonderful food - the best west Indian curry's (shrimp, chicken etc) and fabulous pork tenderloin and the coconut flan is yummy for dessert 🙂 You will have a great meal.

Geri,

I just got back from STJ and we were there for 6 nights. We took around $600 in cash with us. We ended up taking out another $200 at the ATM on the corner between The Lime Inn and Woody's. We were able to take out the $200 in one withdrawal, no problem. We charged our restaurant meals every evening and our shopping but paid cash for an expensive daysail ($300 for the two of us when you included tip for the first mate). We also went through alot of cash on the taxis and their tips coming and going from the beaches constantly.... if you are renting a car that will save alot of cash. The pizza place in Warfside Village is excellent but doesn't take credit cards and I'm pretty sure we paid cash for the BBQ on the corner in the pink building too. Hope this helps a little...

Kathleen

Pia - Thanks for the endorsement of Sweet Plantains....I can't wait to eat there when we go. Their menu looks yummy!