Should I carry travellers cheques?

[The Republic]

Hi people. I am new to this site and this board. I will be a new student this fall. As soon as I arrive, I will need to make some cash purchases (like my apartment deposit). Would I be better off bringing travellers cheques (extra expense but extra safety) or should I risk carrying two grand in my wallet?

[grace]

Well, you can do either one. My husband brought cash with him and had no trouble. Besides, a lot of students have to pay rent in cash. Yes, it's definitely uncomfortable carrying that kind of cash around, but we never had any problems doing so.

[docbee]

Hi people. I am new to this site and this board. I will be a new student this fall. As soon as I arrive, I will need to make some cash purchases (like my apartment deposit). Would I be better off bringing travellers cheques (extra expense but extra safety) or should I risk carrying two grand in my wallet?

Maybe you should call your apt. people and ask them what they'd prefer. I'm not sure if all of the places down their accept traveler's cheques - and that's a lot of cash to have on hand. My apt. people accept my personal checks, and I just have to add $10 to the amount for their processing fees.

Anyhow -- call them.

[stateofequilibrium]

What she said.

If you're carrying that kind of cash though, you don't have to put it all in your pocket or envelope you know. Put some down each sock you're wearing or similar places where pickpockets or thieves dare not go.

[aoliver0]

i heard u can cash ure travelers checks at the casinos.... or even the supermarket? i dunno

[stateofequilibrium]

i heard u can cash ure travelers checks at the casinos.... or even the supermarket? i dunno

You can definitely use the checks at supermarkets, that much I know.

[Ditch Doctor]

Hi people. I am new to this site and this board. I will be a new student this fall. As soon as I arrive, I will need to make some cash purchases (like my apartment deposit). Would I be better off bringing travellers cheques (extra expense but extra safety) or should I risk carrying two grand in my wallet?

I took both, actually. I used traveler's cheque's at various places. They are widely accepted, at least they were wherever I went. Check with your bank, they might have some deal. I had free travelers cheque service on my regular checking account and I didn't even know it; so you might be able to find some sort of deal. You can also get a traveler's cheque credit card now.

[rocky_wayne]

I had one of those dorky pocket things that wrap around your waist inside your shirt to carry my cash down here. It worked great and you don't have to take it off going through customs. You can find them at any store in the states...

Rocky

[skandinavian]

Theoretically, yes. Practically, no.

St. Maarten is kind of hard bent on getting your cash on account of some kind of fee deducted each time they cash a travelers check at the bank. Hell, some don't even know what a traveler's check is! Some establishments like super markets or non-ghetto clothing stores may take your check. But if you wanna buy ice cream down the street or have greesy chinese food at a restaurant, you better have the cash and you better keep it hidden. That's my warning!

[Ditch Doctor]

Theoretically, yes. Practically, no.

St. Maarten is kind of hard bent on getting your cash on account of some kind of fee deducted each time they cash a travelers check at the bank.

I never had this problem at WIB or ScotiaBank or the bank the school uses in downtown P'burg. That sounds really off the wall for a bank to do.

Cheques are secure, a pain in the *** sometimes, but secure. You'll be happy you got cheques when your car gets broken into and they take your purse/wallet/backpack...

[The Republic]

I have determined that travellers cheques are fine. I got my cheques for free (AAA member), so I will only have to pay whever fees I need to cash them on SXM.

Thanks.

[druhxk2]

Does anyone know what the charge is for cashing traveller's cheques? Some places are very high, others quite low, etc. What's St Maarten like?

[mandeey]

If I am going to be living in the dorms, how much cash should I be bringing? I have a debit card, so can't I just use that or get money out with it for most things?

[aoliver0]

If I am going to be living in the dorms, how much cash should I be bringing? I have a debit card, so can't I just use that or get money out with it for most things?
my orientation advisor emailed me saying to have $2000-3000 to hold you over while your loan checks are getting cleared....if you have it all on ure debit card, i dont see how that would be a problem..

[armymedic2MD]

How about the exchange? Should I exchange my dollars for the ECD as soon as I get down there or just use the USD?

Thanks.

[blueoval]

How about the exchange? Should I exchange my dollars for the ECD as soon as I get down there or just use the USD?


US dollars are fine everything is in dollars. There are no fees for cashing traveler's checks. Best thing to do though if you want cash is to go to the casino and change out the traveler's check. It's fast and easy. If ya don't wanna do that every place I've been to just has you fill in your driver's license on the back. Credit cards work well too. The RBTT ATM has worked well when you need extra money.

[aoliver0]

i thought no one really takes credit cards down there?

[kindalchi]

I didn't bring any traveler's check.

They are really a pain here....
Sneak all your cash in your socks (like the fromer's guide in Euro trip...haha)...you should be fine...

[blueoval]

i thought no one really takes credit cards down there?

No, they do. You just have to find which places take them. Cost-u-Less does and so does Grand Marche so with groceries this is what I have done.

[kindalchi]

CC is accepted in quite a few places here as far as my experience is concerened. Got here 3 days and have no problem swiping them with car rental, food purchase...etc.

[aoliver0]

CC is accepted in quite a few places here as far as my experience is concerened. Got here 3 days and have no problem swiping them with car rental, food purchase...etc.
oh yea??? thats good!!! it would make things easier if i could just use credit card for things... can anyone gimme a quick list of places that take credit card?

[stateofequilibrium]

Most good restaraunts (though always good to ask FIRST otherwise you may be embarrased at the end of the meal)

Most large stores

Car Rentals

Solutions Management for some apartments.

That's it.

[armymedic2MD]

Dont the cc's charge an international fee for using the card in SXM? I know when I was in europe a few years ago on vacation, there were some associated fees with using my card outside of the US. I think its around 3% or so of each trans, so this could add up to a pretty penny after some time.

[stateofequilibrium]

Dont the cc's charge an international fee for using the card in SXM? I know when I was in europe a few years ago on vacation, there were some associated fees with using my card outside of the US. I think its around 3% or so of each trans, so this could add up to a pretty penny after some time.

I just use my check card most of the time actually, and the international fee is a few bucks.

[armymedic2MD]

Its really imp to check with your bank or credit card company b4 you head down just to make sure. I know I was a little surprised when I saw the extra fees and I just wanted to give a heads up and get some replies on the subject. Thanks.

[kindalchi]

Most good restaraunts (though always good to ask FIRST otherwise you may be embarrased at the end of the meal)

Most large stores

Car Rentals

Solutions Management for some apartments.

That's it.

Yup....that's about right.

I paid my rent up front cuz they didn't take check or CC (like most off campus housing....in that way I don't have to worry about carrying cash with me.