Need help with currency on Panama cruise

[Billiam]

We are going to Columbia, Panama, Costa Rica, Guatemala and Mexico and since most have their own currencies do we need get some of all or do any, or hopefully most, take dollars? I know we can do exchanges onboard but they usually get you on the exchange rate, do you get them at your bank, AAA or places like that? Thanks for your help and any suggestions or comments will be appreciated-----------Happy Cruising

[cruzsnooze]

I did the Panama canal trip too and everyone takes your US dollars happily :)

[BILL-WI]

We are going to Columbia, Panama, Costa Rica, Guatemala and Mexico and since most have their own currencies do we need get some of all or do any, or hopefully most, take dollars? I know we can do exchanges onboard but they usually get you on the exchange rate, do you get them at your bank, AAA or places like that? Thanks for your help and any suggestions or comments will be appreciated-----------Happy Cruising

 

They all will take smaller US dollars...do not bring BIG bills. Anything under $20.00.

 

BILL

[swigso]

Before you go ashore go to the purser and change some $$$'s into small bills

Take 5's and 1's

You will find most things are priced in dollars as well as local currency

[Ine]

Indeed bring small bills and donot expect change in US$.

Also the exchange rate will not be in your favour.

[travelberlin]

Every body takes US dollars. If you do not have enough small bills, you can change it at the ship.

[Billiam]

Sounds like the verdict is in--Dollars it is. thanks for your help and happy cruising----------

[MicCanberra]

Sounds like the verdict is in--Dollars it is. thanks for your help and happy cruising----------

 

Correct they will prefer the big bills (change in local currency) but make sure you have lots of $1s and $5s. Cheers Mic:D

[BillB48]

Just a reminder, in Panama the currency is the US Dollar, coinage is a little different, but the same size and same denomination. US and Panama coinage is used interchangeably in Panama, if you pass a Panama coin to a clerk in the US, you will get a suspicious and strange look;)!