Generally speaking, hotels, larger stores, restaurants and supermarkets take credit cards while smaller "local" stores, smaller bars and restaurants, street vendors and taxis only take cash. Debit cards are hit and miss. ATMs proliferate. Hope this helps.

Many of the guides are cash only. I sailed w/ Breath a couple of years ago and felt very embarressed and apologetic when the captain told me he didn't take credit cards and I didn't have cash to pay. He apparently was used to this and graciously extended me blind credit ( I thought my company was the only one to do this) instead of denying my wife and I our trip. Never thought to ask, ironic that my own business (garage doors) also does not accept plastic.

Thanks, STT... that was exactly the kind of info I was looking for. I hate paying ATM fees, however, so maybe I'll just make sure I have traveler's checks. Are the ferries cash only?

I always tip in cash

Church of one: a caveat here on travelers cheques. They are NOT accepted as widely here as in years past. To be honest with you, I have a problem with them (I own a restaurant on STT) when quite by serendipity I went to my bank (Scotiabank) one day with a couple of travelers cheques to deposit and the teller asked me if I understood that they wouldn't be processed to my account for 14 days.

I was flabbergasted, always assumed they were as good as cash, couldn't get an answer from either the teller or the bank manager, got back to my place and called the main bank where a manager couldn't give me a straight answer either. She suggested I contact the VP and I did, but first called three other local banks to ask about their policies regarding TCs. All three said that the funds were deposited within 3-4 days with a "hold" of up to10 days "if there is a problem."

When I contacted the VP of ScotiaBank he confirmed the bank's policy of a hold of 14 days but was unable to give me a reason other than saying it was "bank policy." My reckoning was that the banks basically hold the deposits on traveler's cheques to gain the utmost interest before putting them into the payee's account. Slimey business, to me but based on that experience I don't accept them any more. And if you have any question about why I wouldn't change banks - well, I've been dealing with this bank and its predecessor (Barclays) for over 20 years and changing banks is a real hassle these days!

Traveler's cheques are becoming very passe in any case and I'm maybe asked once a year if I accept them. Your credit card will be good, as I said, most places. I'm not sure whether or not the ferry operators take credit cards and that information might be available under the "Ferry Schedule" information top of this page.

Tour operators take credit cards and most private charter captains do also but it's always wise to check in advance. Hope this helps.

Thank you so much, STT! I really appreciate the info, especially from a business owner's POV, having been one. I haven't used traveler's checks in years and I'm trying to figure out how much cash to bring, in addition to the plastic.

A tip for travel - call your credit card company before you depart and let them know to expect unusual charges and a different location. Last time we travelled, our card was suspended until we could verify that we were in possession and using it.

Last VI trip I notified my credit card of my plans after having charges questioned and card priveliges suspended during a trip to my Mom's and Mom in laws in Florida. This year I forgot to but had no problem.

Also, don't let anyone tell you they have a minimum amount before you can use your credit card. They can be reported for doing so and get their merchant's plate pulled for this practice.

The ferries want cash. The Texaco on St. John wants cash after 5pm.

This is true, however it is most likely that the cashier/employee has no idea about this and has been informed by their supervisor that this is store policy. The cashier/employee will have not authorization to violate store policy, even if the fine print of the credit card contract does specifically state that a minimum purchase is not required.

It's the same thing with large purchases. Ever tried to purcase or make a large down payment on a car? The dealership will go spastic - they don't want to incur the extra interest, even if your credit is pristine.

When I first started going to STX there were numerous merchants that offered a discount for cash purchases, doubtless to avoid incurring the interest the merchant must pay to the credit card company on all card transactions. I don't see this anywhere anymore, I think the merchants just decided to "split the difference" (although I imagine you could initiate a negotiation for a lower price if you pay cash).

In any case, I've found it easier not to make a scene over small purchases where the establishment requires cash (although I did make a small scene once with a car dealershil ).

Speaking of travelers checks I find it safer to travel with them them cash. I figure how much cash is needed for that day and cash in that amount at a nearby bank without a problem. Just FYI.
Ms CoCo

You're probably correct about the employee & the store policy thing BUT I doubt the merchant would want to lose the plate & that definitely can happen, small print or not.

http://usa.visa.com/about_visa/ask_visa/index.html#anchor_4