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Re: Would you trust the hotel safe?
[Re: sasasal]
#125958
04/03/2017 08:09 AM
04/03/2017 08:09 AM
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Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,677 Brookfield, CT.
pat
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,677
Brookfield, CT.
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Re not using CCs in grocery stores, we almost always use ours in the LGM (could now be Carrefour?) at Porto Cupecoy and the original LGM on the roundabout heading into P'berg and have never had a problem doing so. I would assume the smaller Mom-and-Pop-type groceries haven't taken CCs in the past and probably still don't accept them.
And with regard to CCs for jewelry, you can often negotiate a better deal using cash. And there are some restaurants that definitely don't choose to accept CCs for whatever the reason . I remember how shocked I was the first time we went to Scilly Caye to learn they didn't take them there, and as of the last time we were at FBBC, they weren't taking CCs either. In both those places it might be because of the logistics of telephone verifications. Or not? Thus the suggestion often made to carry enough cash for your daily activities JIC. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" />
Respectfully,
pat
"Always keep your words soft and sweet, just in case you have to eat them."
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Re: Would you trust the hotel safe?
[Re: sasasal]
#125959
04/03/2017 08:12 AM
04/03/2017 08:12 AM
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Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,763 Ohio
ruralcarrier
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,763
Ohio
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Most of the grocery stores DO take credit cards, including Discover. Even most of the small groceries have a credit card terminal. We used cards at Grande Marche and Market Garden without any problem. Not sure where you are getting your information regarding this.
J.D.
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Re: Would you trust the hotel safe?
[Re: pat]
#125960
04/03/2017 08:12 AM
04/03/2017 08:12 AM
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Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 12,460 île staten
Bobcat
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 12,460
île staten
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Hi Pat We use a combination of credit cards + debit (ATM) card + cash. 1) Credit cards, at least two , bank is notified when they are to be used out of the country or in another State. One card (the same card) is used for hotel + airfare + car rental to avoid issues with blocking. Blocking 2) ATM or debit card is used only for cash when needed. Funds are made available in our checking account to be drawn down as needed. 3) Cash, as needed.
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Re: Would you trust the hotel safe?
[Re: GaKaye]
#125962
04/03/2017 08:32 AM
04/03/2017 08:32 AM
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Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,677 Brookfield, CT.
pat
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,677
Brookfield, CT.
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Thank you, BC and GaKaye.
I never use my Debit Card and honestly, I don't even bring it to SXM. I do bring two checks with me - one for visiting my favorite island jeweler if I decide not to deplete our cash stash, and the other for the unlikely need of additional cash while there! I would never do so unless absolutely necessary, but if needed I do have the ability to cash a personal check while there.
And Georgia - that's the reason I was trying to come up with. The banks have to honor CC disputes but not debit card losses and they have had problems in the past with cards being cloned on the island, both credit and debit. Hopefully, that's a thing of the past but JIC, it pays to be forewarned.
Respectfully,
pat
"Always keep your words soft and sweet, just in case you have to eat them."
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Re: Would you trust the hotel safe?
[Re: GaKaye]
#125963
04/03/2017 08:43 AM
04/03/2017 08:43 AM
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Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 219 Wisconsin
wabid
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 219
Wisconsin
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Here is are our general rules of thumb we use when visiting. We always limited amount. May be a couple hundred dollars. Nothing more. If we need more cash we will head to a major bank (Scotia, RBC) and use the branches ATM (less likely to have a skimmer).
Last visit I brought a pack of $100 in singles. For tippage. Brilliant move...very handy. We do not carry wallets or purses. We both have water proof hard case wallets. That hold room key, ID cash and a credit card. That's all you need.
Nothing expensive or of meaning is brought down in the way of Jewelry. I have a basic watch, wedding ring. That's it.
SBR is very safe, however we lock up everything of value. Anything that can be easily lifted. Cameras, wallet cash, passports, credit cards not in use and even laptops. (We usually stay two weeks and do have to engage in work from time to time. Losing work laptop = bad). We lock up everything especially when we know we will be gone for the majority of the day.
We also call the banks and let them know which cards may be in use. Especially my Chase card. It has a hair trigger for fraud. Its cool but also can be a PIA. (Imagine buying about $1,500 of IKEA cabinets and 10 people behind you when it decides it does not like Swedish Furniture purchases..it takes about 30 seconds to clear with the app, but the cashier and people behind me don't buy that....I digress).
Just be prudent, wise and use some common sense. All will be safe and good.
Last edited by wabid; 04/03/2017 09:47 AM.
Never walk onto a job site with empty hands. - Source Unknown
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Re: Would you trust the hotel safe?
[Re: GaKaye]
#125965
04/03/2017 08:53 AM
04/03/2017 08:53 AM
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Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,677 Brookfield, CT.
pat
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,677
Brookfield, CT.
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Sending you a PM. I don't think cashing checks is the norm though I don't know this as fact. We're just lucky, I guess and it pays to have good friends in high places. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/jester.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/jester.gif" alt="" />
Respectfully,
pat
"Always keep your words soft and sweet, just in case you have to eat them."
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Re: Would you trust the hotel safe?
[Re: pat]
#125967
04/03/2017 01:55 PM
04/03/2017 01:55 PM
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Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 13,162 Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
islandgem
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 13,162
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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I have used debit cards worldwide without any problems. Fortunately Canadian banks honour debit and credit cards in the same manner and will replace your funds into your bank account on the same day once you have reported the funds being Fraudulent.Apparently the banks in the USA are very different.
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Re: Would you trust the hotel safe?
[Re: islandgem]
#125969
04/03/2017 02:08 PM
04/03/2017 02:08 PM
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Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,677 Brookfield, CT.
pat
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,677
Brookfield, CT.
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They most definitely are. What Georgia and Bobcat said is spot-on with reference to debit cards according to our banker here at home. And worse yet if you have both your checking and savings accounts tied to the same card as most people tend to do. It's potentially a whole lot of exposure. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" />
Respectfully,
pat
"Always keep your words soft and sweet, just in case you have to eat them."
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Re: Would you trust the hotel safe?
[Re: pat]
#125970
04/03/2017 02:19 PM
04/03/2017 02:19 PM
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Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 83,601 Central Florida!
Carol_Hill
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 83,601
Central Florida!
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It's funny, I have a friend who is a branch manager of a bank here locally. She has been in banking for probably 30 years. She ALWAYS uses her debit card for everything. I agree that it is very dangerous to use a debit card. I don't even own one..
Carol Hill
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Re: Would you trust the hotel safe?
[Re: Carol_Hill]
#125971
04/03/2017 02:41 PM
04/03/2017 02:41 PM
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Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 12,460 île staten
Bobcat
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 12,460
île staten
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Debit vs.Credit Protections ================= Using a debit card from an ATM funds are drawn from a checking account. ================== Withdrawals (specifically transfers ), if allowed, from a savings account are limited to 6 per calendar month by law. =================== Savings
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