We recently tried to pay at Cultimara using a credit card, but were said the transaction had failed, so we paid in cash.

But soon thereafter the amount charged was appearing also on our credit card bill!

In my experience it is very unusual that a credit card is charged while no success is signaled to the terminal.

Of course, we did not sign a slip.

So now we have to go through the whole unpleasant revocation procedure... and I wonder whether others have experienced the same?

I hope this was not a scheme run by some employee to rip the shop-owner his money... or worse...

Just contest the charge and let it rest.

Visitor..Rest assured it is not "a scheme".. I've charged many many items at Cultimara over the years and have never had a problem. And I'm sure others on this board will echo that.

My advice is to take this up with your credit card company. Sometimes mistakes can be made. I don't think it's anything more nefarious than that.
And, welcome to BT. Since this is your first posting can you tell us about your trip?

I agree with Vince. Cultimara is a mainstay in island life for locals and tourists. If there was a mistake it was simply that, a mistake.

It's a shame your first post is about a problem. I would certainly hope your trip was otherwise pleasant and that you have that to share with us as well.

For others in the future who come to read this thread... I have shopped Cultimara several times and wish that the cashiers here at home were as pleasant and friendly. I was also was most surprised to have the help of a young boy in carrying a ton of groceries to my car. This is not a service I've seen elsewhere on the island.

(Message edited by billyb on May 28, 2010)

Vince, the individual shore-diving was very pleasant - I had expected nothing less :-) - I like this way of diving much more than the crowd-diving often done from boats.
Not many big fishes around, but a lot of colorful small creatures to use your macro lens on ;-)
Accommodation was simple but good enough and not too expensive.

Shopping, in general, was the only real downside of the trip. Shops where either closed (opening hours being only at times of day I wanted to dive...), the employees busy with chatting to their friends on the phone for extended periods of time, plus the bad surprise reported above.

Not everything is a scam. Sometimes sh$% happens.

The boys work for tips. I shop Cultimara every trip. So far so good. I think what happened to you was probably an accident. Sometimes things go wrong on island. For example, I was shopping on my first trip and all of the credit card machines went down - gave up shopping and went diving. Things just kind of happen. I hope your cc company will fix this for you soon. I do know how frustrating it is to have to deal with them. I had a merchant in Cozumel charge my card more than what was on the receipt. It took a while, but it was all worked out. Good luck!

I am sure that it was an accident but once again we have a banner headline with a thinly veiled accusation against the integrity of an established business.

As far as the unpleasant shopping experience, well that is island life. Shops are not (thankfully) open 24/7. They close to allow their staff some time to themselves.

Maybe if you want things done yesterday and have services on demand, Bonaire might not be for you.

Isn't it wonderful that the ocean is open 24/7, so that other activities (like shopping) can easily be scheduled as needed :-)

I miss Bonaire!

Denise, we need to do lunch some time at Michael's.

I too while on Bonaire had a similar incident happen, what I learned was to keep the printed notice that the transaction was declined.
If at a later time your charged you have documentation.

In 14 trips , never a problem at Cultimara. And really, who goes to Bonaire for the shopping????

As a merchant when a charged is declined, it generally means your cc company was not notified your were using your card in an unfamiliar location to them and they are protecting you. A simple call to the toll free number on the back of the card will solve the issue (If you are told toll free #'s do not work from Bonaire, just pass by and use my skpe..toll free). Also when I receive a contested charge I am required to supply the bank with a SIGNED copy of the charge slip...no copy, no cash for me...So just call the cc company and that will end it.

As Jeanine pointed out, the boys at Cultimara work tips. I give one guilder for a small load, two for a large load, and they seem pleased.

I've always tipped the boys at Cultimara (probably too much but I like to promote service and innovation).

If I can't carry it myself, I'm certainly glad to have the help. I'm usually in Cultimara for one bag of groceries or a couple carts. In any event, the carting help is a service not available anywhere else I've shopped on island and I for one have been very grateful for it.

Bill, me too.

Never once had a problem at Cultimara and have used my debit card there a lot...

The issue has been covered. This could have happened in Canada or Bonaire. Simply be aware of what goes on your credit card. Because mistakes do happen...your c.c. company will look after it. You need to be patient, because it takes time. I work in the banking industry and still get frustrated sometimes with the delay. However saying all of this. Keep your receipts & do not share chip codes. Also be aware of the three digit number on the back of your credit card. On our recent trip we found using my US. Visa card the best. We used it for everything from groceries, meals, etc. ...it was just easier for us ...two couples to put everything on one credit card and divide all costs in half. You couldn't ask for an easier accounting than the bill and your receipts. The majority of our groceries were purchased at Cultimara & the Warehouse.
I had no issues with any of the merchants in Bonaire.

Hello all, I echo many of your responses I never had a problem at cultimara or any where else on the island as cc transactions were involved 12 trips and counting as for the shops I like the charm they bring to the island a small glitch in paradise or maybe not and yes the ocean is open 24/7 thank you bonaire as for those boys I always try to be generous I think it goes a long way in many lessons