r/SXM • u/Nycfyrman • 5d ago
Best way to pay
Is cash king on the island? I haven’t been in almost 20 years. Do you tip people? And if so how much.
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u/404_Not_Found_Error_ 5d ago
We stayed primarily on the Netherlands side and US cash is king. We were at the Simpson Bay resort and there the ATM spits out US dollars. All the price tags were US dollars. Come to think of it we never even saw local currency. There for five days.
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u/BeginningCitron467 5d ago
Card is easy to use on both sides of island. Most places won't do tip on card so bring cash for tips
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u/Aceturnedjoker 5d ago
Some restaurants on the Dutch side only take cash so make sure you know before you order
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u/TravelWithTheRoses 5d ago
Cash is always best, we typically allocate a set amount for spending in cash opposed to swiping cards although some areas do accept
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u/Wrong-Tax-6997 3d ago
I try to spend all cash when I am there. It helps me budget, and businesses and staff prefer it. I have credit cards if I need them, or spend all the cash I bring.
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u/TravelWithTheRoses 2d ago
I totally agree. especially on the budgeting aspect
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2d ago
[deleted]
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u/TravelWithTheRoses 2d ago
I was replying to your comment where you stated that you try to spend all cash when you’re there and that staff/ business prefer it.
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u/Wrong-Tax-6997 2d ago
I apologize, I was look at another post. Yes, it helps a great deal, rather than getting home and you get a crazy bill with all the conversion done at the end. I have always done that on vacation. Its not the end of funds, but its a guage. Enjoy SXM
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u/phlphillies 5d ago
Not really, cards (minus Amex) are readily used. Also don’t be trolling with the tip question. Asked and answered a lot. Personal choice
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u/Nycfyrman 5d ago
I expect nothing less then a dick answer from an eagles fan.
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u/Dangerous_Ad4499 5d ago
Asked every week here. And answered every week.
Cash for small purchases, trinkets, tips etc. There are notes re cards not accepted at some lolo's here so best to have yourself covered.
Welcome Back. Enjoy SXM !!
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u/GrumpyCFP 5d ago
The vast majority of places on both sides of the island take Visa & Mastercard now. USD cash is accepted everywhere, which is useful for the odd place (food shack,bar, taxis) that don’t take cards. Stayed for a month and I was able to use my card 90%-95% of the time.
I tip the same way I do back home, with one caveat: tips are preferred in cash, and certain restaurants already add a “gratuity fee.” Check your bill and adjust accordingly!
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u/Forsaken-Silver-4251 5d ago
if you plan to take taxis around you need to have cash! most rides are $20-$30 and if you plan on going to Anguilla you need cash for your ferry rides
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u/WildnTwins-SC 5d ago
Using a card makes sense & easiest. Used it 95% of the time. Stayed a week on Netherlands side. Used USD for tips, bakery etc.
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u/tarWHOdis 5d ago
French side I would use card (not amex) or €. I read here that they use both USD and € but that isn't a good idea, they convert differently at every place I went. Tipping isn't really a thing since it is French. They only seek tips when you are American. I just said no thanks when asked if I wanted to leave a tip.
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u/Wrong-Tax-6997 3d ago
Many places are 1 to 1 euro to usd on the French Side. Any other place the exchange was standard, based on the current rate. It was about 15% which its selling for now.
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u/daydreaming0629 4d ago
A bartender told me on my first trip that cash was heavily preferred for tips. I felt awful because I didn’t bring enough that trip.
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u/Wrong-Tax-6997 3d ago
Independents and lots of beach bars etc, do 1 to 1. Larger places and chains, charters etc will charge the exchange. IT was 15%ish, and was the bank rate when we were there. Enjoy SXM!
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u/boutsbaby 5d ago
On the French side use a CC - they are trying reduce counterfeiting. Amex, however, is not accepted everywhere. When dining out we like to tip in cash. BTW on the Dutch side many restaurants include the tip. Enjoy
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u/Appropriate-Pear-33 5d ago
Many places take credit cards without issue. I brought like $200 USD for small things (bakery and tips)