Audrey: Thanks. We are planning on going to the market on Sat. a.m. and weren't sure if they took US $$.
Did you rent a car, or take any guided tours? We want to explore the island, but have heard mixed opinions on car rental.

Audrey,

Can you post some info about Laluna? We are considering it for our honeymoon.

Thanks!
Lauren

Audrey, you are absolutely right that US dollars are welcome in 99% of the tourist-oriented businesses in the Eastern Caribbean. And credit cards are accepted widely as well.

Smaller businesses though have more difficulty. I am thinking of the smaller bars and restaurants frequented more by locals than by visitors, produce sellers in markets, fishermen who sell their catch right from their boats, local theatre/music/dance shows and so on. For these people, using their own currency is much more acceptable.

So if your are interested in more than the resort experience, it's always good to have some EC dollars in your pocket.

Furthermore, even the established tourist businesses appreciate the courtesy when visitors take the trouble to deal in EC.

I agree that money-changing can be a pain, especially at the banks - but for a small extra charge, my experience has been that hotels, villa owners (if they are on-site) and larger restaurants will gladly do this for you.

EC currency is also cursed by lots and lots of small coins - I pile them up and add them to the maid's tip at trip end.

Now I'm going to contradict myself a bit. Some businesses actually want to get their hands on US currency. This is especially true of those owned by ex-pats or by locals who have family obligations in the US. So sometimes it's helpful to ask people their preferences.

For the record, I've never had anyone ask for Canadian dollars or French francs !

Hope this helps.