In an email conversation with a merchant in Lerwick, Shetland, I was surprised about this merchant's lack of credit card usage. As I use credit cards 100% in England and the rest of Scotland, I was wondering if any of you have had any issues with using credit cards for purchases while visiting any of the Shetland islands? TIA.
Posted by
Isle of Skye, Scotland
888 posts
I think it depends on the size of business you are dealing with. I will give you an example. I have a very small B&B - only open in the summer and only 2 rooms. Most of my bookings come from one of the large travel websites. They take the money and pay me by direct bank transfer, less their commission. Until very recently I didn't want or need a credit card machine as it costs money to take credit cards and only a tiny proportion of my business comes from direct bookings. Could this be the case with the business you are dealing with in Lerwick?
Jacqui (Skyegirl)
Posted by
Duluth 🛶
4502 posts
I just stayed at a B&B on Skye that did I not accept cards. It could be for the same reason Jacqui gave but I’m not sure about that. Another place I stayed at on Mull accepted credit cards but I had to call him with the card info as he requested a £20 deposit. Couldn’t do it online.
But just about every other place (and that includes other businesses) used Tap and Pay. The only money I’ve withdrawn was for the Portree B&B and money for one restaurant in Tobermory that did not accept cards.
Posted by
Royaume-Uni nul points, pas plus
2405 posts
one restaurant in Tobermory that did not accept cards.
Cafe Fish perchance?
Posted by
OP
San Diego
14 posts
Thank you Jacqui, Mardee, and ramblin' on for your information. I will be sure to take more cash with me when I visit the Shetlands than I normally bring. I appreciate this.
Jacqui, I don't know if that is the case with this merchant but your reasoning makes total sense,