is there a bureau de change on AoS?

[garyb(uk)]

Hi,

 

this will be my first cruise and wanted to know if there is anywhere on board to buy foreign currency. There are two of us and I plan on taking 200 euros for each port (8) before I go which I suspect will be sufficient but was asking the question just in case I need any more.

[kyriecat]

The guest services desk provides currency exchange onboard. In the past I noticed that the exchange rate they use is heavily in their favor so don't be surprised. They don't charge a additional "service fee" for the exchange.

 

I generally get some foreign currency before I leave home and use local ATM machines as needed to get additional funds.

[TEXASMUNK]

You can also go to the casino, use your sea pass, get cash, there is a 3% fee for those funds.

Onboard ATM usage can also be expensive.

[kyriecat]

Does the casino give cash as euros? I didn't realize that. I thought they only gave US$. OP's cruise is a Med one - France, Italy, Spain, Portugal so he will need euros for port spending.

 

I don't recommend relying on the onboard ATMs. They only give US$, there is a $5/transaction fee plus what your bank charges, and they seem to be "out-of-order" a lot! I've used local (on shore) ATMs in the past to get local currency and they generally work out well. There is usually an ATM near the tourist areas so it's a quick stop.

[garyb(uk)]

thanks for the reply's ;)

[postmeome]

thanks for the reply's ;)

hi gary,

200 euros for each port should be more than enough,but after say 5 or 6 ports you think you might need more money use an atm in port or exchange stirling ,pound vs euro you will get a good rate:)

[peteukmcr]

hi gary,

200 euros for each port should be more than enough,but after say 5 or 6 ports you think you might need more money use an atm in port or exchange stirling ,pound vs euro you will get a good rate:)

I agree, I would only take a minimum in cash and as soon as I got to a port where the Euro is the local currency, I'd get more out at an ATM which is exactly what I did is year in Cannes which was our first stop.

[vickiw0318]

Check to see if your bank has any sort of reciprocal arrangement with a bank in another country. There are probably lower fees if you use the reciprocal bank's ATMs. I know my bank has such arrangements.

[novicetraveller]

thanks for the reply's ;)

 

Gary, if time permits, do a search for Travel Currency Card and get one and load it up with some Euros / Dollars. I don't know if I am allowed to advertise any cards. If you are in London, there are some Currency exchange places that will offer you a good deal. Seriously have a look at them if you can.

[peteukmcr]

Gary, if time permits, do a search for Travel Currency Card and get one and load it up with some Euros / Dollars. I don't know if I am allowed to advertise any cards. If you are in London, there are some Currency exchange places that will offer you a good deal. Seriously have a look at them if you can.

Take care if you intend to use a pre paid currency card loaded with US$ to pay for your onboard charges. RCIs T&Cs specify that they do not accept them as forms of payment. You can still use travellers cheques.

[novicetraveller]

Take care if you intend to use a pre paid currency card loaded with US$ to pay for your onboard charges. RCIs T&Cs specify that they do not accept them as forms of payment. You can still use travellers cheques.

 

I didn't have a problem using a prepaid card 3 years ago on a cruise I was on with RCL

[peteukmcr]

I didn't have a problem using a prepaid card 3 years ago on a cruise I was on with RCL

Well I'm only reporting what is stated in their UK T&Cs and from experiences of others first hand and didn't want anyone to come unstuck. Perhaps since you last used one they have implemented a new policy although if you check the T&Cs they specifically just mention Amex prepaid cards.

 

The main issue with prepaid cards is that as RCI state, they will place a 'hold' each evening on the available credit on your credit or debit card to ensure that basically you have the funds to pay. However, this is not possible on prepaid cards and so they do not allow them.

[novicetraveller]

Well I'm only reporting what is stated in their UK T&Cs and from experiences of others first hand and didn't want anyone to come unstuck. Perhaps since you last used one they have implemented a new policy although if you check the T&Cs they specifically just mention Amex prepaid cards.

 

The main issue with prepaid cards is that as RCI state, they will place a 'hold' each evening on the available credit on your credit or debit card to ensure that basically you have the funds to pay. However, this is not possible on prepaid cards and so they do not allow them.

 

Hi Pete, sorry I didn't mean to question you on this. I was just stating what I did 3 years ago. :)

 

When I used the pre-paid card 3 years ago, the cruise were able to hold the funds delegated on my card with no problems. Maybe the system has changed since then, but I will chance it and take my Debit card as backup.