You will also want to arm yourself with cash while browsing the small boutiques and curio shops throughout the islands, as most do not take credit cards. Beware of hidden credit card fees while traveling. Check with your credit or debit card issuer to see what fees, if any, will be charged for overseas transactions.

St. Croix, as part of the U.S. Virgin Islands, uses the U.S. Dollar, and while credit cards are widely accepted at resorts, major restaurants, and grocery stores, having cash is still a professional necessity in 2026. You will need cash for taxis (which generally do not use meters or apps like Uber/Lyft), tipping tour guides and waitstaff, and purchasing from smaller vendors or local "roadside" stands. Many of the island's boutique shops and "mom-and-pop" eateries in Christiansted and Frederiksted may have credit card minimums or prefer cash to avoid high processing fees. ATMs are readily available in the main towns and at the airport, but they can occasionally run out of cash during peak festival seasons like the Crucian Christmas Festival. Carrying a mix of small denominations ($1s, $5s, and $10s) is the best way to navigate the island's local economy efficiently and respectfully.