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Credit card useage within the Shetlands

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
1421 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
9178 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 The only money I’ve withdrawn was for the Portree B&B and money for one restaurant in Tobermory that did not accept cards.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
19 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,