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While in St. Thomas last 2 weeks I used my Debit Card at a ATM 3 times to withdraw money with no problem, UNTIL I went to use it at the airport in Miami on our way home, and it said there was a hold on my card. When I got home I called Chase Bank and they said there were withdrawals not in my local area and were putting a hold on it until I verified that it was indeed me using the card. They were concerned it was Fraud. Good that they are watching cards for unusual withdrawals but it could have been a real problem.
About Sandals & Socks: I never ever saw so many women wearing Sandals and socks and men wearing tennis shoes and black socks as I did in town in St. Thomas. It made interesting people watching in between my hitting the stores. LOL This was out 5th trip to St. Thomas and it is addicting as is this board.
Hello Carole,
Good tip. I usually call my Credit Cards and tell them when I will be traveling outside my local area. They typically ask 'where are you going' & 'what date are you going & coming back'. They apparently make a note of it. Not sure if you can do the same for debit cards, haven't ever tried, did they mention anything about doing this when you called your bank?
--Islander
Very good advice - call your CC company prior to going somewhere out of your normal area - my CC was turned off when sailing around Antigua/St Kitts a few years ago - it was quite a problem to contact them and have it reinstated. I had to borrow money and phone from a hotel.
Bank didn't say anything about it but you can be sure when i travel outside Mi. again I WILL be calling the bank first. It is funny now but it wasn't at the time.
ISLANDER
You do a excellent job on this message board. Enjoy reading it every day, till our trip again next feb.
Calling your credit card company before you travel is no guarantee that they will honor your charges:
Yes - as in life - there are no guarantees - however, it does not hurt. It may depend on the CC compant - mine is very good at keeping track. Since my mishap in Antigua/St Kitts - I always call them to let them know I am travelling.
What specifically happened was I used one of those CC phones in St Kitts to call home prior to sailing back to Antigua - only to get to Antigua and have no working CC and no remaining cash (yikes!). I borrowed money to call the CC compnay to have my card reinstated - it was then they said I should call if travelling.
You mileage may vary...
