Cash??

How much cash do you take on a three week cruise? I have been on a lot of land travel trips of 3 weeks or more but never on a three week cruise. I know what I need for private excursions but not sure how much actual cash to take. I know it has variables but just asking as a guideline not written in stone Just asking for your guestimation

Thanks

Kathy

It depends what you intend to spend both on the ship and ashore. On the ship, you can pay your bill with a credit card, so don’t need cash. Remember your gratuities are already paid. If you want to tip people on the ship over and above the gratuities included in the fare, you’ll need enough cash for that, but it is definitely not expected.

In most ports there will be a free shuttle that will take you somewhere central, but if you then want to take a taxi or the metro (e.g Dubai) you’ll need local money.

Certainly in Dubai you’ll need Dirhams and in Athens you’ll need some Euros for taxis to and from the airport. In Dubai it’s about 45 Dirham from the airport to the port (they don’t take dollars). In Athens it’s about €50 from the port to the airport.

I know you have tours booked, so you need to think about tips for the guide. We usually tip $10 for a day and $5 for a half day for the guide and half that for the driver.

If your tours don’t include lunches, drinks, snacks then you need to think about that too.

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This is such a generic question. It is also highly dependent on the countries you are visiting and what currency is generally accepted in said countries. I personally don't ever board a ship with loads of cash but just use local ATMs in port. I regularly have $100 in my wallet on a normal day even when not traveling and that is usually plenty to tide me over till I can find an ATM. If taking a cruise I bring my casino money separately so that I know when it is gone then my gambling is over. One thing I do as a back up when traveling is to bring five new $20 bills and one new $100 bills (don't fold, crease or anything) that is my worst case scenario money that can always be exchanged at a local bank. Foreign banks always seem to want pristine USD.

There is also an ATM on the ship.

There is also an ATM on the ship.

Thank you. I did not know that as I have never been on Azamara before. That takes care of my question.

Appreciate it

Kathy

The ATM on the ship only gives US dollars & Euros, so don’t rely on it for other currencies such as UAE Dirham.

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It can also be off line due to connection issues even in port so as Grandma says, not really the best option.

We carry cash in the currencies of the ports, small amounts only, plus dollars. Can’t really advise you on what a small amount should be for you as each person has different needs ashore. We use hotel/ship safe and only carry what we need each day - as we are not trinket buyers or frequent snackers this is a relatively small sum. We always have a credit card with us ashore.

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The credit card which I use has a 0% conversion rate, which is useful as you ask to pay in the local currency. When the C.C provider makes the conversion you are not charged.

Thank you. I did not know that as I have never been on Azamara before. That takes care of my question.

 

Appreciate it

Kathy

The fee per transaction is $6 from memory for using the ATM and as already said, they do rely on satellite connection so not 100% reliable. Fee for taking USD cash out at the casino from the booth is 5% when the ship is not in port and it’s open.

Phil

We carry enough cash for our tour cost, guide and driver tips (usually 20%ish), some cash for incidentals, and a debit card tied to a designated travel account that is not connected to our main bank accounts. That way, if it's lost, stolen, or compromised, our main credit cards and bank accounts are still safe.

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We carry enough cash for our tour cost, guide and driver tips (usually 20%ish), some cash for incidentals, and a debit card tied to a designated travel account that is not connected to our main bank accounts. That way, if it's lost, stolen, or compromised, our main credit cards and bank accounts are still safe.

 

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Really like this idea. Thank you

Kathy

Be careful, debit cards are not readily accepted in many places particularly in the Middle East. A simple solution we’ve used if your worryin* about your credit card is we have arranged to have a temporary credit card limit reduction on one of our cards for the duration of a holiday. Our banks will do that. We still carry a fully loaded card from two banks (2 just in case) the only time they are “out of the safe” is in transit and at hotel/cruise check in

A slight twist I use is that I set up a checking acount that I put a small amount in and tie a "travel" ATM card to it. I use it in ATMs in ports when needed for local currency. My exposure if the card is compromised is limited to the cash in that account. I keep it open with minimum balances (usually about $100 to keep it fee-free) between cruises.

I like the idea of a credit card with a small credit line. I'll have to investigate changing it up and down. The alternative is to apply for a new one and keep the credit limit low.

We don't use the card as a debit card... we use it at ATMs.

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I like the idea of a credit card with a small credit line. I'll have to investigate changing it up and down. The alternative is to apply for a new one and keep the credit limit low.

The wife's going to love you! Lol

Phil

Thank you everyone for all the advice. Here is what I am going to do based on every ones advice. Some cash, ordered money yesterday from bank for some of the countries that prefer their own money, & take one card that does not charge a conversion rate. I think then I should be good to go.................hopefully. If you were following my other post that I had taken down about the medications I am still not out of the woods yet. I am 50% there. I have the State of Florida approval waiting on the one from the US State Dept. I don;t want to go down the path again but I will advise when all is aokay.

Kathy

Take enough. Enough? Think of what you might want to buy, travel expenses, etc. Do not plan on just using a credit card or an ATM. I have had credit cards stolen or rejected. Frozen accounts for some unknown reason. Several years ago in St. Martin, I bought several items in different stores in a short period of time. After the third charge, my card was frozen. I was told by the credit card company that it was for my protection. It took a long time to call the credit card company and 2 more hours until my card was unfrozen. Now I carry more than one card and cash.

Take enough. Enough? Think of what you might want to buy, travel expenses, etc. Do not plan on just using a credit card or an ATM. I have had credit cards stolen or rejected. Frozen accounts for some unknown reason. Several years ago in St. Martin, I bought several items in different stores in a short period of time. After the third charge, my card was frozen. I was told by the credit card company that it was for my protection. It took a long time to call the credit card company and 2 more hours until my card was unfrozen. Now I carry more than one card and cash.

I had that happen once to me as well. So now before any major trip I call the cc company I am taking with me and tell them what countries I am going to be going to and the date I will be gone

Kathy