Buying in Nassau Question

[Cherinva]

Hey all, I have a question....when in Nassau, how do you pay for items? I don't feel comfortable using my credit card and I'm wondering if in Nassau, do they take U.S. Dollars, or Travelers Checks?

 

[disneycr8zy]

Hey all, I have a question....when in Nassau, how do you pay for items? I don't feel comfortable using my credit card and I'm wondering if in Nassau, do they take U.S. Dollars, or Travelers Checks?

US Dollars work just fine. Never tried to use a travelers check though.

 

[mikelan6]

Hey all, I have a question....when in Nassau, how do you pay for items? I don't feel comfortable using my credit card and I'm wondering if in Nassau, do they take U.S. Dollars, or Travelers Checks?

Yes, they accept US Dollars in all the stores. Just be careful because sometimes, they will give you change in Bahamian Dollars.

 

[corky441]

Hey all, I have a question....when in Nassau, how do you pay for items? I don't feel comfortable using my credit card and I'm wondering if in Nassau, do they take U.S. Dollars, or Travelers Checks?

Thanks for asking that - I never gave that a thought.

I certainly don't want to use my credit card when we're in Nassau. Perhaps I'm a bit too worried, but better safe than sorry

 

[jeanigor]

I bought stamps and a Cuban cigar on PCC 1.0. I know I had to use cash for the stamps, and pretty sure I used cash for the cigar. I got US dollars and cents back for both transactions. Which I was a little disappointed in, as I like collecting different currencies. Its something my papa got me started in. He traveled a lot for his job and brought me home coins from around the world. Nothing valuable or anything. But I was the only person in grade school to have coins from Africa. It was pretty neat.

 

[tlcoke]

Thanks for asking that - I never gave that a thought.

I certainly don't want to use my credit card when we're in Nassau. Perhaps I'm a bit too worried, but better safe than sorry

My bank sent a flyer in my last statement about a "Travel Visa" card. It is like a Traveler's check - you put a designated amount of money on it, but is a VISA card - that would be good Worldwide. I am going to look into this and find out more about it.

 

[aggielawyer]

I bought stamps and a Cuban cigar on PCC 1.0. I know I had to use cash for the stamps, and pretty sure I used cash for the cigar. I got US dollars and cents back for both transactions. Which I was a little disappointed in, as I like collecting different currencies. Its something my papa got me started in. He traveled a lot for his job and brought me home coins from around the world. Nothing valuable or anything. But I was the only person in grade school to have coins from Africa. It was pretty neat.

I have some French francs and centimes I found the other day if you want them. They're only good for paperweights now. If you're interested PM me you address and I'll mail them to you.

 

[mikelan6]

I have some Japanese yen leftover, but now they're wroth more than what I paid for them! LOL

 

[tlcoke]

Here is more info on the Travel Visa Card in lieu of Travelers Checks or Carrying Cash - you can get it through AAA or possibly your bank or credit union.

This is from the AAA website - my bank also offers a similar product.

Visa TravelMoney is a prepaid reloadable Visa debit card which offers travelers a safe and convenient alternative to travelers checks and cash. Can be used everywhere Visa credit and debit cards are accepted.

* Security and Convenience - Carry the card that provides the security of travelers checks and the convenience of a Visa card.
* Easy to Use - Make purchases at millions of merchants worldwide that accept Visa debit cards including restaurants and shops. Obtain local currency at any Visa ATM around the world and avoid standing in line to exchange foreign currency.
* Emergency Card and Cash Replacement - With Visa TravelMoney you can obtain emergency card and cash replacement virtually anywhere in the world, generally within one business day by calling 1-800-VISA-911 (1-800-8472-911).
* Lost/Stolen Card Reporting - Makes it easy to report a lost or stolen Visa TravelMoney card. Just call 1-800-VISA-911, or from outside the U.S., call collect 0-410-581-9994.
* Reloadable - Cards can be reloaded where your card was purchased. Use cash, funds from your bank account, credit or debit card to reload you cards.
* E-mail Alerts - Increase your awareness of your card account charges with instant alerts on your cell phone each time your card is used. Call by 1-866-674-9621 to set up your alert notification.
* Lost Luggage Reimbursement* - Get reimbursement up to $250 per trip, $1,000 per cardholder to replace your luggage and its contents if an airline, train, cruise or bus line loses your checked or carry-on luggage. Reimbursement is not contingent upon the purchase of travel with the Visa TravelMoney card.
* Purchase Security* - Within the first 90 days of the date of purchase, Purchase Security will replace, repair, or reimburse you for eligible items of personal property purchased entirely with your registered Visa TravelMoney® card up to a maximum of $500 per claim, in the event of theft, damage due to fire, vandalism, accidentally discharged water, or certain weather conditions.
* Travel & Emergency Assistance* - Get translation assistance 24-hours a day, medical and legal referrals, emergency trip arrangements, and emergency messages to relatives.

 

[Cherinva]

My bank sent a flyer in my last statement about a "Travel Visa" card. It is like a Traveler's check - you put a designated amount of money on it, but is a VISA card - that would be good Worldwide. I am going to look into this and find out more about it.

Thats a great idea...I'm going to ask my bank and see if they have that.

 

[mainegal]

why do you need forms of money in Nassau? Is there anything there worth purchasing? All I hear is stay out of the straw market!
Why not use regular credit card? Is. It more likely to be fraudulated in Nassau?

 

[jeanigor]

why do you need forms of money in Nassau? Is there anything there worth purchasing? All I hear is stay out of the straw market!
Why not use regular credit card? Is. It more likely to be fraudulated in Nassau?

Yes. Yes.

And even if you are not concerned about fraudulent activities, your credit card company may tack on international fees, duties and varying exchange rates. That's a big gripe from the Windsor Business Coalition (Detroit's sister city across the river in Canada). They claim it is a reason the Americans don't cross into Canada, charge stuff and spend their money there.

 

[jeanigor]

I have some French francs and centimes I found the other day if you want them. They're only good for paperweights now. If you're interested PM me you address and I'll mail them to you.

Thanks a bunch. PM sent!!!

 

[mikelan6]

why do you need forms of money in Nassau? Is there anything there worth purchasing? All I hear is stay out of the straw market!

On Bay Street, you can buy perfumes, t-shirts, jewelry, watches and stuff like that. At the straw market, you can buy Bahamian souvenirs like ... straw hats.

Last time I was there, I bought a "LV" wallet made in "France" for $20.00.

 

[mainegal]

On Bay Street, you can buy perfumes, t-shirts, jewelry, watches and stuff like that. At the straw market, you can buy Bahamian souvenirs like ... straw hats.

Last time I was there, I bought a "LV" wallet made in "France" for $20.00.

hhmmm... nothing so far that would encourage me top open my wallet.

You didn't mention rum cakes. They are cheaper from Amazon.com with free shipping, too!

 

[mikelan6]

You didn't mention rum cakes. They are cheaper from Amazon.com with free shipping, too!

Yes, they sell rum cakes, alcohol, cigarettes and cigars as well.

 

[corky441]

Here is more info on the Travel Visa Card in lieu of Travelers Checks or Carrying Cash - you can get it through AAA or possibly your bank or credit union.

This is from the AAA website - my bank also offers a similar product.

Visa TravelMoney is a prepaid reloadable Visa debit card which offers travelers a safe and convenient alternative to travelers checks and cash. Can be used everywhere Visa credit and debit cards are accepted.

Thanks so much for posting all the information. For my own peace of mind, I will definately be visiting my AAA office before the cruise

 

[Madi100]

I have some Japanese yen leftover, but now they're wroth more than what I paid for them! LOL

We have lots of yen right now for the Japan trip next week.

 

[mainegal]

Yes, they sell rum cakes, alcohol, cigarettes and cigars as well.

Again, not enticing me to open my wallet.

I did get one of the rum cakes at TJ Maxx a few months ago. It was tasty. But I am not going to fill my luggage with rum cakes!

 

[jessrose18]

About 5 years ago bought a fake LV wallet at the straw market as well, paid cash. I thought most of the stuff in the market was overpriced. I know you can haggle, but I guess I just thought stuff would be a bit cheaper. There are lots of booths there for purses, watches, teeshirts and souveniour photo albums, hats, trinkets etc. There are the same items over and over in every booth. That was my impression at least. Took water taxi to Atlantis paid cash then walked around over there bought some ice cream paid cash. We then took ferry to dolphin swim and bought some stuff with credit card at Blue Lagoon. I don't recall any extra fees but we did call cc company and tell them we were travelling. hope that helps!