Diane M
Reged: 10/08/02
Posts: 25
Loc: New Hampshire
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This subject has probably been discussed to death, but unfortunately, I wasn't part of any that took place. So, if I'm headed to St. Bart's this weekend, what should I have in my pocket for $$ and credit cards? We do not want to use an ATM, we would prefer to convert to Euros since I'm told that everywhere is different and you will get varied rates of exchange using US$ to purchase items, meals, etc. Is this correct? We would like to use our American Express for as many meals as possible. I'd appreciate any feedback on this issue. Thanks!
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drr
Unregistered
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Not sure why you don't want to use the atm machines. You will probably get the most favorable conversion
from using your atm card. Using an ATM will keep you from having to take a lot of cash. We kept a few euros in
our pocket for small purchases but used our credit card for everthing else. You will always loose out in
the long run converting currency back and forth.
PS. The ATM machines accross the street from the airport and downtown Gustavia never seemed to work for us. We finally found some ATM down near the post office
that accepted our atms cards.
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Graham
Reged: 10/02/02
Posts: 82
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I agree with Drr on this. The ATM is the way to go, you will get the best conversion rate that way.
As for Amex, you are going to run into the usual problems where some merchants ask for something different (as Amex charges the merchant more for acceptance), so bring your Visa as backup.
One note though now that I think of it. As the Dollar is worth slightly less than the Euro, you may find a 1-1 conversion rate in some establishments, and therefore save a couple of cents (or cent, depending on how you look at it) by paying in the weeker dollar. Anyone have any thoughts on this, the conversion rates have changed since I was last on the Island in May?
Graham
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steve
Reged: 10/04/02
Posts: 112
Loc: delaware
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If you have an American Express card, you can go to your local American Express office and get Euro travelers checks with no service fee. You must pay for them by check or cash. You will pay a fee if you do not have an American Express card.
Steve
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nickthedog
Reged: 10/04/02
Posts: 275
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Hi Diane, if you are looking for the best exchange rate & have cash go to Change/Exchange in Gustavia, 2nd. fl. on the right as you approach Select. He has the best rates,for cash.Most credit cards now charge a fee for ATM conversions into Euros.and a fee to convert your purchases from Euros into Dollars.
Nick
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Lauren
Unregistered
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I usually go to an American Express office in the U.S. to purchase Euros before travelling if I need them. Exchange rate okay, but be careful and check on the phone first. I carry about 500 euros with me most trips, plus a few hundred american dollars. Makes me feel secure. Most probably carry less. I agree that using a VISA card at the ATM's is the best bet, but for small amounts they are not worth the fee. Don't worry about having left over euros, if you plan on returning to ST BArth or going to Europe in the near future. And you can always exchange them back into dollars, of course for a fee. I miss the franc and the history shown on the bills. The euro notes reflect mostly bridges and other geographical sites in various countries, but are not well identified. I would plan on paying mostly with the AMEX card. Most St Barth's merchants accept it, never had many problems using it there. Membership miles are nice to have. Major airports have ATM money exchange machines, but watch the fees and exchange rates...
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Lance
Unregistered
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If you can pay with Euros at restaurants you will save $5.00 to $15.00 per meal. You do not get the correct exchange rate. Many places will not take American Express and they want only Visa or Master Card. The ATM machines are the way to go. The amount is not large, but it gets down to the principal of the thing.
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Diane M
Reged: 10/08/02
Posts: 25
Loc: New Hampshire
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Thanks to all for your help. American Express is our card of choice, as we do very well with Membership Rewards...it's how we're flying to St. Bart's, via US Air free this trip. We do, however, have Visa and MC. We NEVER use our ATM's...just never got into the habit. Did try and use it, however, in France and immediately had a problem with no $$ coming from the machine! Spent half a day trying to fix the problem at the bank where we used it! I'll print your replies off and my husband and I will use your advice as a guide as to what to do prior to Sunday. Again, I appreciate your assistance.
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KenW
Reged: 10/02/02
Posts: 9
Loc: Texas
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My experience in both France and in St. Barts is that one should take very little in the way of dollars. ATM's and MC or Visa are the way to go. We have gotten excellent exchange rates on both the ATM's and the credit cards. As for the uncooperative ATM machine near the airport, I discovered that it would not work when I asked for more than the equiivalent of 100 euros. I kept asking for $100 worth, and it would not work. When I asked for just $80 or $90 worth of euros (which was less than 100 euros), it worked fine. Same for my wife. Whenever we could charge, we did. Otherwise, we used the euros we got from the ATM. I never used the stash of dollars I took. Of course, many merchants accept dollars. That is certainly the lazy route to go, but the rate used probably is a bad one. In France, when I used travelers checks or currency and went to exchange bureaus, I lost up to 15% in the process. Meanwhile, my wife used the ATM's and got full value at a great rate. I was so mad that the old "safe" travelers checks method turned out to be the dumb way to travel in the modern era of credit cards and ATM's. Just some rambling thoughts.
KenW
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Midwest Mike
Reged: 10/01/02
Posts: 786
Loc: Hawkeye Heaven
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I think that placing everything on your credit card in Euros you will do the best. When I want to convert some dollars to Euros I often just buy something at the Match...give them a 50 or 100 dollar bill and they give the change back in Euros. They seem to alway have a fair up to date exchange rate.
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andy
Reged: 10/06/02
Posts: 215
Loc: Englishman in St Barth
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Most places, including mine, are at 1:1 for dollar euro. If you have travellers cheques, spend them in the restaurants or supermarket, for gGod's sake don't change them at a French bank, they have a minimum commision of about $20, and won't bother to explain.
As for Amex..... I don't accept it, only because they take double commision than visa or mastercard. Every $100 taken with amex costs $3.5 in commision. Work it out over a year. I apologise for the loss of miles.
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