I carried both Amex Platinum and Revolut Visa. Amex was declined at most cafes and museums; the only acceptance came from an upscale marina boutique. ...

Whether using public jitneys or tourist shuttles, I only paid EC cash. No machines, no junctions, just waving and paying. Fares typically ran EC$4-$8 ...

On check-in at both properties I stayed in, they initially offered card payments but later insisted on cash due to “technical issues.” I used my Revol...

I tried using my US debit card at a First Caribbean ATM, but it didn’t go through. Not sure why, but it just wouldn’t accept it. Better to have a back...

Airport exchange counters are tourist traps - fees and markups can be outrageously high. I walked into St. John’s and used a Barbados-owned CIBC First...

My HDFC debit was gobbled up by a First Citizens ATM in St. John’s. Staff said it would be destroyed after 7 days if unclaimed. Luckily I was in town,...

In Salta I hit a snag: the hostel’s card machine limit was ARS 4,000 and mine was declined. I ended up withdrawing cash to pay. Cash is king at hostel...

I used Amex once at a four-star restaurant, but everywhere else - cafes, taxis, and ATMs - it was declined. American Express acceptance in Argentina i...

My HSBC debit got swallowed by a Banelco ATM in Mendoza, and it was gone. No bank on site, so after calling customer service they told me it wasn’t re...