Pretty sure Thrifty in STT rents with debit. The problem is they will put a large hold on your money...ask how much..to cover.

Thanks Coco, I will give them a call, EJ

If your debit card has either the MC or Visa logo on it, it can be used as a credit card also. Just means you don't put in a PIN.

If it is a true debit card (no VISA/MC logo) some car rental agencies will accept it as long as the card clears for the entire cost of the rental period, at the time of the rental, plus an additional amount for deposit (varies with each company). Unfortunately, as cocosmom stated, this way ties up your funds until you return the vehicle. I would call each agency and ask/compare.
I have always had good look with AVIS at Havensight.

Just to let you know, I am going back and forth with Avis right now on another trip that I'm taking, and I can tell you without a doubt that their rental hold amount is $300 when you use a debit card. That's a lot to have tied up when you're on vacation, especially in my case where I foolishly thought it made good sense to pre-pay my rental to save money ...

Could very well be wrong but thought credit cards also put a "hold" an amount, anywhere from $300 -500., when you rent a vehicle. I have a debit card with a Visa logo on it but it is ONLY a debit card and not a credit card so that a logo might not be an indicator what your card is. Above the logo on mine, it has "debit card" printed and the only thing I've ever used it for is to withdraw money from an ATM at the back it is issued by. They say it is a "debit card" but I've not used it to "charge" or pay for anything so I really don't know. Either way there is a hold only usually you don't know about it 'cause the charge never appears- altho they usually 'splain it at the time of rental. Had that on Virgin Gorda and STT in March and here at home in April when my car was laid up getting a tush-lift since I backed into a tree ... don't ask!

I found what seems to be an excellent company that got me a 2007 Jeep with only 2 days notice. Debit card accepted, and they allow me to use the water ferry.

Amalie Car Inc. amaliecar.com 340-774-0688

I will have to wait and see how it goes, but the owner called me at work and emailed me 10 mins after i put in the web reservation. I told her I would prefer a newer car, and she said no problem, they were extremely busy, but would get me set up. Got an email confirmation 5 mins later confirming a 2007 Jeep Wrangler 4x4 soft top for $434/wk. Not bad.

I really appreciate everyone's help on here,

EJ

Wow EJ, you did good! When you venture over to RH to catch the ferry to STJ, stop at a market there (can't remember the name) and invest in a cooler (styro is fine). Have the lady behind the deli make a couple of great sandwiches and throw in a couple of beers and waters.

Pack light on the valuables as you'll be parking your jeep in remote areas and snorkeling. Lock up any valuables in the glovebox.

Remember that you'll back onto the ferry...so pull in the lot and back up like you're ready to load up. They cram it full. I couldn't even get my jeep door open to get out, and had to crawl out the back! Be aware of the return ferry times and the fact that as you get close to the last ferry...it fills up fast and plan on maybe one before it. That way, if they fill up, you can make the next one.

Have fun!

P.S. ...and whatever you do....DO NOT call STJ St. John"S"! I learned this the hard way!

Good advice. I appreciate it.

I was hesitant to get the soft top for that very reason, I will be bringing a hiking pack every where i go that is big enough to keep our camera, change of clothes, shoes etc. in it. We really shouldn't have to leave too much in the jeep I hope.

This brings up another question I was going to post:

I don't have a GPS and neither does my cell phone. Now that I have the Jeep, how the hell do I know where I am going?

Any reccomendations on some reliable maps?

Thanks Eagle's!

EJ

EJ
Just pick up a map at your local Borders or if you don't have time, there are place on STT and STJ that will sell maps. We didn't have a good map of STJ and just started driving after we got out of Cruz Bay...ended up at the top of the island and just sat and enjoyed the view. We had brushed up on a book on beaches and then got a map and ventured to our first choice...Little Lamshure Bay. At that time of day (9a.m) we were the only one there and it was perfect!

Are you used to mountain driving and 4wd driving?

LOL I was reading your response to my wife...

Used to mountain driving? I live in Ohio! : ) I have done a lot of mountain driving actually in CO, AZ, TN etc.. but always in Audis. I should be fine...

Wanting to do the hiking / remote beach thing though. Will have to risk the occasional roll over / off the side of a cliff thing.

I will be stopping at Borders on the way home!

EJ

EJ..
We're in CO...

Buy the Nat'l Geographic Virgin Islands map St. John. There are others that are just as good, but this one is a Topo and that helps. Here in CO we rely on our Topo maps heavily.

Remember to have your wife keep reminding you to drive on the left. I keep reminding my hubby..."turn left, stay left". It really helped.

To be honest...you'll be back there, but next time....I bet you'll stay on STJ!

Do you snorkel?

P.S. I grew up in Mich., got married, drove west and stopped in CO and loved it. But we really enjoy our beach vacas and will be going back to STJ next year.

EJ,
One last thing. When taking a taxi in STT...be aware that you need to pay attention. Only take the taxis that are registered taxis...they should have a taxi license #. We were at the K-mart (great place to buy booze) in Tutu and a market next door. A licensed taxi picked us up from our hotel (before we were smart enough to rent a 4x4 at the airport), but then when we waited for our taxi back to our hotel...we were solicited by all kinds of kids driving their cars hoping to give us a ride and posing as taxis. Don't do it. Take the licensed taxis.

Thanks Eagle! I appreciate it agian. Some of my closest friends live in Ft. Collins.

We will definitely be snorkleing, though my wife has never been. I just picked up a 100% dry Oceanic Snorkel, and a really nice mask too off of scuba.com. Very excited. Thinking of going to the east coast of STJ to try to finds some reefs.

I will stay away from the unlicensed taxis, but will definitley be hitting the Kmart for some Rum!

Will do a full trip report once I return.

Thanks again!

EJ

Seems that I remember that the Nat'l Park Services has a very nice free map that you can pick up at their office in Cruz Bay.

Danke Schon C Shell... will do that for sure. EJ

EJ,
Rum is very inexpensive anywhere over there, at least compared to here.

So you have friends at the Fort? Are you a CSU grad? My youngest graduated from there in '05. Go Rams!