How are Canadians paying for rent/tuition, etc?

[CANKID]

I called the finance dept and they didn't have any definite answers. Because we don't have U.S. bank accounts, we can't write personal checks. So, what have most of you done? Opened up a bank account on the island, opened up a U.S. bank account, use money orders, travelers checks, debit, or something else?
Thanks

[cattyjane]

I guess you can make a money order here for the rent only. Then open up an account there once you arrive

[raptors]

When I paid tuition - Wire transfer.

I mentioned this in another post, but I'll mention it again. I recently opened up a US RBC Royal Embassy Account (formerly named Centura), which gives you checks for free. I plan on using these personal checks to pay for things. Easy transfer between all RBC accounts online. However, it takes a little leg work and time to set up.

[tiger15lily]

I opened a RBCUS account weeks ago through my local RBC branch. I have US bank checking, ATM, VISA. It took a while to set up.I am sure Scotia Bamk and others have US branches. All of RBC branches are in southern US but with Internet, 1-800 numbers and the local branch I will never need to go to a branch in USA.

[amyames]

I don't know about paying for tuition seeing as I am an American student, but as for rent, most of friends from Canada used the ATM's (one located in the bottom and the other in Windwardside) to withdraw cash to pay rent and buy food, ect. The Saba banks did not charge a withdrawal fee but the banks back home did, so check wih your back to see how much the transaction is.

and if you are going to use the ATM on saba, make sure you tell your bank where you are going and for how long because you start making big withdrawals on Saba and they may freeze your account thinking its fraudulent activity!

but it's soo easy with the ATMS....OPENING an account at a local saba bank can be a hassel and the banks are usually only open till 3pm, so getting to them is an even bigger hassel with the class schedules.

hope this helped...sorry don't have an answer regarding tuition.