Where can we get local currency for ports on Panama Canal cruise?

[traveling grandma]

We will be doing the Panama Canal cruise on the Star. Does anyone know if there are ATM's or currency exchange booths at the pier in Cartagena, Puntarenas, and Huatulco? Is there any currency exchange available on the ship?

[delidan]

Why?? The dollar works fine.

[kodiaknurse]

US Dollar is accepted and preferred at all these stops. Hutulco - the ATM there gives a choice of US dollar or Peso. Cartagena - you can not get money from any ATM there any kind of money especially US dollars. Ensure you have your US dollars before you leave Hutulco for sure. Enjoy your cruise!

[NMLady]

Even if a ship has currency exchange, don't use it. The fee is a lot more than airport exchange or your local bank.

 

When we did the Panama Canal cruise, we used US dollars, all singles, and never had a problem.

[retired rascal]

We were on that cruise last month...and yes, dollars are the way to go.....also learned that it was best to carry alot of smaller bills...10's, 5's, 1's....it is easy to bargain in all of the ports but it works best if you have exact change. Don't bargain down to $4.00 and give them a 20....word travels fast in the markets.

[DEL67]

We were on that cruise last month...and yes, dollars are the way to go.....also learned that it was best to carry alot of smaller bills...10's, 5's, 1's....it is easy to bargain in all of the ports but it works best if you have exact change. Don't bargain down to $4.00 and give them a 20....word travels fast in the markets.

 

Be sure to take bills that are in good condition as vendors sometimes will not accept torn ones as they have trouble exchanging them.

[swedish weave]

Be sure to take bills that are in good condition as vendors sometimes will not accept torn ones as they have trouble exchanging them.

 

That is true ! Also, they don't like bills with writing on them.