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Dining: AMEX problems anyone?
Bonaire Talk: Dining: Archives: Archives 2009: Archives - 07-01-2009 to 12-31-2009: AMEX problems anyone?
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Monty Blandford (BonaireTalker - Post #27) on Sunday, July 5, 2009 - 12:19 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

Just an FYI....
We had several problems using AMEX in a few places (esp resturants) during recent trip, as well as at the departure tax booth.
I thought it unusual -- especially when one of the local merchants told us that businesses have agreements with the banks that stipulate where they take any card (MC/VISA/DISCOVER/AMEX) they are obligated to take all when using the CC telex machine.
I always try to use the AMEX for it's protection, but if merchants/resturants won't take it any longer....I will adjust my plans. Be aware and don't get in a jam!

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Jerry (BonaireTalk Deity - Post #20588) on Sunday, July 5, 2009 - 9:16 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

Part of the problem is the high fees that AMEX charges the merchants.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By michael gaynor (Supreme BonaireTalker - Post #3740) on Sunday, July 5, 2009 - 9:26 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

Sorry, it is not the high fees but the time it takes to get our money...visa, etc. is the same day, amex is a crap shoot. Also, they are arrogant when merchants have a problem. My agreement to accept amex is NOT bundled in with the other cards. I will accept Amex if a client prefers but do ask for another card if possible.

(Message edited by gmichael on July 5, 2009)

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Tribs - is not on Bonaire. (Supreme BonaireTalker - Post #8845) on Sunday, July 5, 2009 - 9:37 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

Monty...I have found that many places claim to have a problem with AMEX right up until you tell them you have no other card and then viola! The AMEX works all of a sudden. On one trip, the dive shop we used ran my AMEX, gave me a receipt and then a few weeks later (in an email) claimed they needed another credit card because the AMEX didn't work. I contacted AMEX and found out that the dive shop canceled the transaction. When I emailed them back that I had no other card, the transaction went through the next day. I have learned that you have to be firm with some of the merchants on Bonaire.

AMEX does provide the best protection for consumers and I have had to use it in the past as unscrupulous merchants have put through incorrect amounts. This has NEVER happened to me on Bonaire, but has happened in Europe and Latin America. I just show AMEX the actual receipt and they take care of it for me. When traveling, AMEX is the safest card for any consumer to use. The only downside is that there are a number of merchants who don't accept it, but that number is dwindling. And you can usually find places that will accept it.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By john Tribhawansingh (New BonaireTalk Poster - Post #5) on Sunday, July 5, 2009 - 9:55 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

Hi Tribs How are you , this is john.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Jane D (New BonaireTalk Poster - Post #6) on Sunday, July 5, 2009 - 10:36 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

I have visa and master card, but they now charge a 3% service fee for all transactions outside the United States. We are leaving on the 10th for a two week stay. I was considering travelers checks. Any suggestions?

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Bill Thorpe, (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #572) on Sunday, July 5, 2009 - 2:32 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Jane
Just notify your bank that you'll be on island on certain days and bring your debit card--mine works great at the two banks. I have never been charged a fee for a cash withdraw while on Bonaire!

I use my CC for the deposit on the truck and pay cash after the turn in inspection.

I stay at the Black Durgon and only need a deposit until I arrive, so I carry that in Tc's.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By michael gaynor (Supreme BonaireTalker - Post #3741) on Sunday, July 5, 2009 - 4:40 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Tribbs I think you are misinformed about more merchants accepting amex...at least that is not the case on Bonaire. I suggest you ask first if the establishment takes the card before you have to "be firm" and create a negative experience for both parties. I have found "being firm" really goes against the grain of Bonaireans and while you think you may have won, in the end you have made yourself and others look bad. Thank goodness we do not have the reputation of being "Ugly Americians" (Yet)

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Tribs - is not on Bonaire. (Supreme BonaireTalker - Post #8846) on Sunday, July 5, 2009 - 5:41 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Michael...I'm not an ugly American. The only places that I am firm with are the ones that advertise that they accept AMEX and then refuse or try to push for another card. They are the ones being negative, not me. If they don't want to accept the card, they should not falsely advertise that they do. And in my travels, I have found that more and more places are accepting AMEX. I don't just travel to Bonaire. And, I do always ask outright and never assume a company accepts AMEX. Your comments surprise me as I bring cash to your place since I know you do not like accepting AMEX.

Check with your banks about debit cards. Mine now has a foreign transaction fee because it carries the Visa logo. It is less than most credit card charges. I don't recall the exact amount but It is something like $5.50 on every $650.00.

Hi John!

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Bas Noij (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #431) on Sunday, July 5, 2009 - 6:33 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

I used to work in two restaurants on Bonaire before I became a full time dive gigolo. At those times we often had the line to the bank disconnect several times on AMEX transactions. VISA and Mastercard always went through right away. If this still happens it may be a reason for a business to ask you for another card.

I think though that the main problem is AMEX's strategy. As far as I can judge they are very good for their customers and not so good for their merchants (high fees, takes long to get your money, crappy customer (merchant) service).

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Bob Eiceman (BonaireTalker - Post #67) on Sunday, July 5, 2009 - 9:03 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

It is my experience that not all Visa and Mastercards are created equal. The banks issuing them differ greatly in policy, rates and security. Shop around and you will find banks issuing CC's as safe if not safer then AMEX.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By michael gaynor (Supreme BonaireTalker - Post #3742) on Monday, July 6, 2009 - 8:33 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

Jeanine, I know for sure you are not an "ugly American" I love your profile pic by the way..I also know you are a loyal and much valued friend of Bonaire. Bas put his finger on the problem...AMEX treats us merchants with a certain amount of distain..

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Tribs - is not on Bonaire. (Supreme BonaireTalker - Post #8849) on Monday, July 6, 2009 - 9:08 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

Thanks Michael! I really love those puppers. I wonder if there is a card that is friendly to both the customer and the merchant? It would be nice to find a middle ground because using anything now - debit, credit, traveler's checks, or cash - is either costly or not safe. Kind of a bummer for everyone concerned.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Sparty (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #251) on Tuesday, July 7, 2009 - 2:47 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Jane asked about TC's. I have several sources of free (no fee) travel checks so for several years I have been using them on Bonaire. I usually cash several hundred dollars worth at a time at the bank next to the Sand Dollar. You get a better rate there, 1.78 vs 1.75, than at merchants. The bank charges a small fee for cashing them, but it is about 50 cents or so for $400 of checks, way less than what you gain on the exchange rate.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Pat Eggler (BonaireTalker - Post #66) on Wednesday, July 8, 2009 - 6:14 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

Have used a Chase Visa Rewards cc on Bonaire for four visits. Have never been charged an extra fee, we only use it where charges are put on as US$ which are most restaurants & grocery stores. Will see when we get home if that has changed, even a small fee is worth the safety of not carrying cash. Also nice to get the miles for next trip here.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Jim Hix (Extraordinary BonaireTalker - Post #2231) on Wednesday, July 22, 2009 - 2:38 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

I believe all the cards are now charging a foreign transaction fee. Didn't used to be so on Bonaire, but I believe the last time I used a card that previously did not charge a few (CHASE) I got hit with some fees.

Oh well someone has to make a few BILLION DOLLARS PROFIT....don't they.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By ***Ron Gould*** (Extraordinary BonaireTalker - Post #2010) on Wednesday, July 22, 2009 - 3:03 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Discover dosen't charge the foreign transaction fee as long as the US Dollar is used.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By ***Ron Gould*** (Extraordinary BonaireTalker - Post #2011) on Wednesday, July 22, 2009 - 3:08 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

I have the Blue AMEX and that card is also fee free...

(Message edited by ronindiana on July 22, 2009)

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Edward Mizell (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #141) on Wednesday, July 22, 2009 - 11:14 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

As of 2 years ago, Capital One did not charge a transaction fee. I don't know about now.

 


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