Good question! I'm still wondering the same thing. I saw one posting that said they don't like Traveler's Checks and would prefer credit card or cash. But I know I don't want to have a lot of cash on me and would love to use my Debit Card instead for most things. Don't know if that's acceptable! Hope someone replies!

have never had a problem using debit card on either island as far as the main stores go, some of the smaller mom & pop type places use one form of exchange: CASH.

RM

Check with your bank that you have your debit card with. I was advised by my credit union that there is a move to prevent the use of any card, with which you use your pin, over seas. I asked them about the Virgin Islands and they weren't sure. I guess it is an attempt to reduce the fraud that American banks are getting hit with throughout the world.

Have always used cash or a credit card on all our trips there over the past 15 years. Never had a problem. Cash is always good and accepted everywhere.

One word of caution about debit cards when renting a car. Two years ago, we were picking up our car at Discount Car Rental. Another couple was there as well. They tried to pay with a debit card - the agent wouldn't accept it. Would only accept a credit card. The couple tried to explain that they don't use credit cards, that the money would be immediately withdrawn from their account, etc. etc. The agent absolutely refused to accept it under any circumstances. We really felt badly for them. They finally decided to take a taxi to their hotel and work on a Plan-B. Just a word to the wise - contact your rental agency before you go if you plan on using a debit card. By the way, not that anyone asked, but - I would NEVER recommend Discount Car Rental. In the same way that people are sometimes disappointed when villas don't live up to their pictures on a website, such is the situation with rental cars at Discount Car Rental. Our party rented 2 cars - they were both JUNK! Bad brakes on one car, no tail lights on the other, etc. On the other hand, we've had great luck with all the big agencies at the airport, as well as Dependable Car Rental (close to the airport). Hope this ramble helps somebody...

I have used credit cards all over st croix for the past 15 years. Small purchases and large...groceries, stuff, restaurants. Never a problem...ever

I have never used a debit card

I used my credit union debit with no problem at all.

If you want to get cash from a bank ATM I would suggest using Scotia if you're near one. In the past I would get socked with charges from my bank and the bank on the island. The last time I was on STX I tried Scotia. No charge from Scotia, only my bank's normal fee. Yeh, I know it's only a buck or two, but it's the principle. Besides, after a couple of withdrawls, I saved enough to buy another bottle of Cruzan.

Bassman

Last year my friends and I encountered the same problem with renting a car with a debit/credit card. My friend debit card was refused by Hertz. I put the rental on my card.

When I made the reservation for this trip, the rep asked me if I was planning to use a debit or credit card.

This ramble will help me!! I'm planning a trip to St. John in May, and am avidly reading all the discussions relating to the best rental car, villa, restaurant, snorkeling and other experiences people have had. This is great stuff!!

Thanks everyone,
I think I'll plan more credit card usage and take some travellers checks to cash in for cash usage.
nsalphadog

I live on St Thomas, but have an account with Bank of America. I use my debit card often in many places with no problems at all. Scotia Bank doesn't charge fees to withdraw money from their ATMs when using Bank of America debit cards. But if you're worried just keep your credit card handy.

Here is what I have found in our last 6 trips

Debit cards work fine on STT - Usually you are going to get hit with a $3 fee.

Warning - Many ATMs on STT run out of money on the weekends. Do a draw on Thursday if you need cash

If you are using Credit vice debit you may want to let your bank know that you will be on travel between these dates. Not so much a problem in USVI, but if you do a trip over to the BVI, which banks consider international your credit card set off bell at the watchdog station. Which may result in you standing there looking stupid when the swipe of the card comes back and says....Sorry

Travellers Checks are a pain in the butt. Unless you are planning for a major purchase of jewelery or some other commodity I would avoid traveller checks.

Rental cars and debit cards: Rental agencies need to be able to charge your plastic in the event of an extra charge such as a dented fender, late fees, etc.

A credit card allows them to collect - a debit card does not. So debit cards work great except for situations as described above.

Thanks, good advice.
PerhapsI'll set up an account in US funds to draw from.
Curious if anyone knows what kind of exchange I'll have to pay to convert to US funds from Canadian, and whether or not I would be better off to make the exchange here in Canada before we go?
nsalphadog

we used travelers checks for our boat rides only, but this added up to be lots. and helped for not caring so much cash. scooby

Definately plan ahead if you are going to use cash and get an ample amount for the ferry if you're in St. John. The Sunday we were departing St. John we had barely enough cash to get on the ferry and every single ATM (there's about 8, we found them all) in Cruz Bay had run dry. The ferry doesn't take anything but cash and you could be stuck in paradise for another day (although I can think of a lot worse things than that).

FYI- Rental Companies require a CREDIT card to rent the vehicle- The reason being is that most major credit card companies will cover the rental insurance. This ensures that the car is covered in the event of an accident. Discount allows payment AFTER the car is returned, and the hold is released, in any form, cash, check, debit, etc. Most companies require credit cards in order to hold the card.

Also, since the message was posted, Discount has changed owners and upgraded vehicles. Locally owned and VERY friendly!