Cash, Traveler's checks, debit card?

[booger]

Using a $5000 bill to make a $300 purchase may be accommodated, but in many cases won't be easy for the businesses, especially the smaller ones. It's like walking into a convenience store and buying a small inexpensive item in the USA with a $100 bill.

If we all start using these $5000 bills it will be a large burden on the businesses who are not used to keeping large amounts of change around. Especially during the slow season I just don't think the small businesses have the cash on hand to keep giving thousands of dollars in change. I think thats the reason that the cambios and ATMs give $1000 bills. (I'm also a business owner myself and while I don't turn money away, if I get lots of large bills early in the day and can't get to a bank it becomes a problem, you can only keep so much change on-hand)

I'm also not trying to hand a bartender $5000 for a small tab then having to wait for my $4700 back, or even $4400 if I have a second drink... leaves way too much room and time for "error".

It's also not just the smaller businesses - I had to wait for change from $1000 for my last beer at Catcha before heading to the airport, so they weren't trying to keep me drinking - they knew I had to go.

If you flew out before 5PM I can see why you had to wait. Catcha only does cash transactions typically after 5PM when they open up to the public. During the day they run a tab for their guest. Unless something has changed outside of my numerous stays.

I do agree with your input regarding the impact the larger bills have on smaller businesses. Good point.

[HarryS]

If you flew out before 5PM I can see why you had to wait. Catcha only does cash transactions typically after 5PM when they open up to the public. During the day they run a tab for their guest. Unless something has changed outside of my numerous stays.

I do agree with your input regarding the impact the larger bills have on smaller businesses. Good point.

That's correct. We checked out and settled the tab at 11am, but since we had a late flight (6pm) they allowed us to stay on the property until our taxi arrived at 2pm.