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If someone can help or give advise I would really appreciate it. Our goal for the move is July. I have tried to email several banks in the USVI about opening up a checking account, via mail, with no reply, so I am assuming they will not allow this. I will have to wait until I arrive. I know (by reading the settlers handbook) that cashing of "state side" checks takes about 2 weeks. I would like to be able to use USVI checks and have a checking account/savings account. My question is: If I bring a "money order" which is like cash, would a VI bank consider this cash and I would be able to write a check, withdraw funds, etc on this within a couple days? I would much rather carry a money order with me than a load of cash. After the account is set up, I would contact my bank here in the states and have them wire the funds over.
Any opinions or suggestions?
Soon to be an islander.
Linda
Posted : May 5, 2004 9:14 am
The best would be Travelers checks.. Money orders can be taken sometimes but may have a hold on them as well.. Amex traveler checks are the best.. if you loose them you can get it back..
Andy
Posted : May 5, 2004 10:06 am
Linda:
A few suggestions:
You will find that the VI isn't an e-mail type culture. Individuals and firms make much less use e-mail than you are used to stateside. Faxes are still widely used.
If you are relocating to St Croix I would highly recommend the Bank of St Croix. No problem in dealing with them. Was able to open an account in fifteen minutes.
Depending where you are located stateside you might want to establish a relationship with Banco Popular. They do have a presence in several major stateside cities. You could then build on this after you relocated to the VI. They have many branches in the VI. I don't know how they are to deal with, but the e-banking is more advanced than most banks in the market.
If you have a CMA account with ML they have offices on STT and STX.
Finally. No need to carry cash. ATM cards work just fine in the VI.
Jim
Posted : May 5, 2004 10:14 am
Topic starter
Thanks Andy and Jim, I'm moving to saint thomas, Where I am there is no banco popular, or any of the banks in saint thomas are here, so thats a bummer. I will check on the travelers checks, that way I have some money to open an account once I get there, so much to do, paperwork that is...can't wait til im all settled in. Looking forward to the move, thanks everyone.
linda
Posted : May 6, 2004 9:11 am