Debit card use in Bonaire

[dvrliz1]

TravelDave,

It really doesn't matter where you stay, but who your carrental is through. You will need to present your card at the window when you pick up your rental car, for the "authorization only" of your deductible. Check with Den Laman and ask who the carrental is through. You can then contact them directly to ask if they accept AMEX. If they do, then you can waive the CDW if you purchase the rider on your card for a pickup.

Also, AMEX is accepted on the island, but I wouldn't say "widely". Quite a few merchants accept it such as shops, restaurants, some resorts, but because AMEX has a very high commission rate compared to other credit cards, and you have to wait 3 business days for credits rather than a 24 hour wait from other cc companies, many will not take it. With the "change" in the island over the next few years, I do expect that to change. We do accept AMEX at our place, and I have seen an increase in the use of AMEX over the last 6 months.

If it comes down to where you stay, rent your vehicle, eat, etc...I feel it eventually will be "widely used" on the island.



Liz

 

[Noboundaries]

We actually don't travel with our debit cards. We take just take plain old credit cards. Even though you have the Visa protection on the debit card, should the card get stolen, lost, or compromised, that's MY money at risk initially and not the bank's money. Yes, there's a process when there's a problem, but once again, why risk it?

 

[army_roofus]

Hi to all. No matter what card you take, please call your bank to tell them you are traveling.

Credit card companies have automated options by phone and internet to tell when the traveling dates will be.

I do this when I am traveling out of state let alone the country.

No worries.

 

[Bosun]

We booked with ABC for our truck and they accepted AMEX.

 

[TravelDave]

TravelDave,

It really doesn't matter where you stay, but who your carrental is through. You will need to present your card at the window when you pick up your rental car, for the "authorization only" of your deductible. Check with Den Laman and ask who the carrental is through. You can then contact them directly to ask if they accept AMEX. If they do, then you can waive the CDW if you purchase the rider on your card for a pickup.

The Den Laman rental is thru Total. They don't accept Amex. However, I spoke with an Amex rep regarding their "Premium Car Rental Insurance" (https://www152.americanexpress.com/fsea/travel/car_rental/product.do)
If I pay for the package (which includes pickup rental) with my Amex and then notify Amex that the package has a car rental, I will be covered, even if I use a different card at Total at the time I pickup the rental (as deposit). Cost of coverage = $24.95.