Royal Carribean account in AUD or USD?

Hi group, I notice RCL have an option to pay onboard charges in either AUD or have them converted to USD. Their currency conversion is based on rates from Bloomberg plus a 3% currency conversion fee. I realise that I would need to compare charges, rates etc. with my BANKSA Visa debit card but was just wondering if anyone has had any experience with this and can offer feedback. Thanks

Welcome to cruise critic.

We always pick option B which is to have our bank do the conversion. We use our 28 degrees card for paying the account as this doesn't have the international transaction fee and usually has a fairly good currency rate.

As a general rule of thumb using dynamic currency conversion is always worse than allowing your credit card company to do the conversion.

Even if you are charged in AUD many credit/debit cards still charge foreign transaction fees if the charge is processed through an overseas bank. RCI is in Miami, I think. As Mic said, cards like 28 Degrees Mastercard don't charge foreign transaction fees.

Welcome to cruise critic.

We always pick option B which is to have our bank do the conversion. We use our 28 degrees card for paying the account as this doesn't have the international transaction fee and usually has a fairly good currency rate.

OK Thanks :)😎

As a general rule of thumb using dynamic currency conversion is always worse than allowing your credit card company to do the conversion.

 

Even if you are charged in AUD many credit/debit cards still charge foreign transaction fees if the charge is processed through an overseas bank. RCI is in Miami, I think. As Mic said, cards like 28 Degrees Mastercard don't charge foreign transaction fees.

Good advice already offered.

An option to consider is the use of a 'travel money card' to be used for on-board expenses. We are regular RCI cruisers, and now use a card loaded with USD which we lodge and then not have to think about. The final account is charged to the card, in US$ & no fees.

We use a CBA one, but most financial places would have similar. A 'rule' to consider is that the card cannot be a 'generic' one - it must have your name on it.

The best rate is to US$ Cash onboard the last night.

Second is to have your credit card provider handle the international transaction.

Royal Caribbean have a lovely option which is a rip-off.

The best rate is to US$ Cash onboard the last night.

In my experience people don't factor in the cost of buying the US$ in the first instance. Fx businesses operate on a margin from either/and a less than 'published' rate & transaction fee.

I have found that the bank's exchange rate for the direct cc charge to be much, much better than any cash exchange. And, if you use the 'right' card you get no fees either.

In my experience people don't factor in the cost of buying the US$ in the first instance. Fx businesses operate on a margin from either/and a less than 'published' rate & transaction fee.

 

I have found that the bank's exchange rate for the direct cc charge to be much, much better than any cash exchange. And, if you use the 'right' card you get no fees either.

I agree, although lately we have been getting our USD supply from on the ships themselves, turning Non refundable OBC into Cash via the casino (anything under the 100% return is attributed to entertainment).:D

If paying by card let your bank do the conversion, well in my experience that’s always been best.

Good advice already offered.

 

An option to consider is the use of a 'travel money card' to be used for on-board expenses. We are regular RCI cruisers, and now use a card loaded with USD which we lodge and then not have to think about. The final account is charged to the card, in US$ & no fees.

 

We use a CBA one, but most financial places would have similar. A 'rule' to consider is that the card cannot be a 'generic' one - it must have your name on it.

Just remember though if using a "travel card" with RCI that they do not recognize it as a "credit card" and your onboard account is set up as cash and you will need to line up at guest services on the final day (or when ever) to pay your account.

I always tell guests who ask at check in about the A or B option for currency conversion on the Set Sail that an easy way to remember it is A stands for awful and B stands for better...they usually get the message :cool:

Good advice Gbenjo.