Full trip report coming after our stay ends next Sunday, but I am compelled to write this "warning" for several reasons:
1. Trip could have had a trip disaster if not for Linston smelling a rat and giving quick advice
2. To remind visitors to ALWAYS keep your head about you.
We hired Linston based on board feedback. Met at airport on time on 12-27 and with a big smile. Everything Irie. Head to Megamart (Mobay) as we figured Negrils stores would be wiped out due to Boxing Day, Christmas, etc. Busy busy busy!!!!! Got to checkout and..... ATM will not work. We had a loaded ATM card, but only $500 cash.
Yes, I notified my Credit Union. Yes, I have used my card many times in Negril with no worries or issue. All I can think is: WTF?!?
Cashier says we can pay cash (giving us, after paying Linston and groceries) about $200 for 10 days if we cannot get ATM card working).......or she can manually run it.
I think "Manually run?!?! Yes! Save my cash!!!!"
So she writes everything (full name, number, expiration, cvs on back but I do NOT give pin of course!) and off she goes. Line behind us is impatient, but after 5 minutes, she returns. Success! Groceries paid and on our way. Never did I think to ask for the paper back, or stop to think that it could have been easily copied in her absence.
On the way to Negril I'm worried.... What if ATM does not work at Scotia?!?! I ask Linston his thoughts and tell him what happened at Megamart. He gets a look of alarm when he hears I allowed Megamart to write everything. I get a very friendly reminder NEVER to allow this, only use ATM where no one can see your number- never allow people to write this. Of course I know this, but my impaired state of panic and happiness to be on vaca allowed me to throw judgement out the window to get our groceries.
Now what?!?!
Trying to call my credit union, I get disconnected five times on the ride. Visions of my card sponsoring withdraws and TVs for thieves is forefront on my mind. Linston can tell my panic level has risen tremendously, and asks hubby (who is silently swearing at me for single handedly destroying our vacation before we hit negril) if we can stop for a needed beer to calm everyone's nerves. As I almost scream "What?!?! We're stopping for BEER?!?! This is a CRISIS!!!!", Linston explains that my US phone will work well when not moving. Ahead was a stand near a cell tower.
He was right. One call to my Credit Union and my card had a major league restriction- only ATM purchases allowed at actual ATMs, and using my pin ONLY. They also put a watch on my account. No worries, card will still work for me, not for marauders.
So, in closing......
1. Keep your head. Always. If you wouldn't do it in a big city at home (i.e. Give your card number, exp date and CVS code to a STRANGER), do NOT do it on vaca! HOW DUMB WAS I?!?!
2. Know what cards are accepted where. Per Linston, and verified by others, Bank of JA does not accept US cards as readily as Scotia. Good to know!
3. Hiring a driver that cares (i.e. Linston) is IMPERATIVE
Ok, heading out to enjoy negril. BIG UPS to Linston, and learn from my mistake. Megamart probably had no ill intent, but I cannot imagine what happened to that piece of paper with my info on it.
THANK YOU, LINSTON!!!!!!!!
Originally Posted by captaind
