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Good morning, we are arriving in a few weeks and was trying to figure out about foreign transaction fees on use of credit cards down there as everything is in US dollars, I just got off the phone with American Express and citi visa and got two different answers. Is there a fee that any one has seen while travelling and using their credit cards? thanks for your help. Shelli
Not sure what you mean. We're a US territory and our currency is US dollars. It's a good idea to let your CC companies know you're traveling here in case they view transactions as suspicious (i.e. possibly a stolen card being used).
American express actually said there was a 2.7% foreign transaction fee, when i told him it was a US territory with US dollars he said it is outside contintal US, I then hung up called Citi visa and she said no it is US dollars you are fine. I know when I travel to Mexico to expect it because it's pesos, but I did not expect to hear that fro AE. So was just trying to see if anyone else has had any experience with foreign transactions fees? thanks
CC companies have different policies as to where international fees are for their cards. It is best to call your CC company and let them know where and when you will be traveling anyway. While you have them on the phone ask if they will charge a international fee and how much it is.
We have one card that charges no fees in the USVI. We have another that charges 2%.
AMEX has lost a lot of business here over the years because of their restrictive charges leveled on business owners too. Most businesses here (including supermarkets) happily accept V and MC but very few accept AX. Stick with your Visa!
Thank you everyone, AE is out!! and will use my visa. thanks for your input! cant wait to visit.....................
We use AMEX on St. John all the time (we visit twice a year and have for several years), and receive NO charge for foreign transactions. I just checked my account online and looked at my receipt from a purchase at Chelsea Pharmacy that happened 2 days ago - no extra charge. I looked to see if there had been any accumulated fees - none. I looked at the credit card agreement, and it says there's a charge if there is a currency exchange. USVI is all US Dollars. So, I don't think there's any problem. However, I know that the merchants get a larger charge for using AMEX over VISA/MC, so many don't accept it.
No fees on my Amex. NONE. None in BVI either. My card of choice.
Good to know, as I do need to use it for car rental!! thanks for the help in calming my worries over nothing!!
Enjoy a wonderful vacation!
