US Dollars in Middle East

[glorygaf]

We are about to embark on a cruise from Istanbul to Singapore and would like some previous cruisers to advise if $US are widely accepted in these Countries. On South America cruise $US were accepted all over.

[Travelcat2]

I'm a bit confused about the subject being "Middle East" because Istanbul is in the Eastern Med. and Singapore is Southeast Asia. Perhaps you also have ports in the Middle East. However, having been to these ports (and the Middle East) I do not feel that the U.S. dollar is "widely" accepted. Some tourist areas do accept dollars but give change in local currency. Also, the exchange rate you receive using dollars is very poor. Most importantly, many small shops with wonderful items simply do not take foreign currency (dollars, Euros, etc.) IMO, it is much better to get a minimal amount of currency in each country from an ATM.

 

Really curious what itinerary you are booked on. Istanbul is one of our favorite ports in the world -- sounds like a great itinerary.

[RachelG]

I really think you need to get some local currency. Even if they accept US currency, it is usually at a poor exchange rate. That said, when my son served in Iraq and Afghanistan, both places I am quite sure you are not cruising to, he asked me to send him $100 at a time in $1 bills because US currency was widely sought after.

 

Anyway, just get a small amt of local currency.. We have been to Turkey 3 times. Unless you are just going to the tourist shops in kusadasi, you need Turkish lira.

[busdriver475]

With the amount of Middle Eastern Ports you will be visiting Wouldn't it be easier to get the exchange on board I know they charge a fee but so does an ATM. Istanbul is in the Middle east and on your cruise you visit quite a few ports, enjoy that leg of your extensive cruise. ENJOY YOUR CRUISE.

[Diva5246]

RachelG:

 

We too have a son that was deployed to both Iraq (2) and Afghanistan (2) and we did send him the dollar bills as requested, plus special treats to share. Safely home now in DC. Also, grew up in OKC. Boomer Sooner!

 

We are also traveling on the Istanbul to Luxor cruise next week. We will exchange a few dollars each day as needed. I agree many places do welcome US dollars.

[Travelcat2]

With the amount of Middle Eastern Ports you will be visiting Wouldn't it be easier to get the exchange on board I know they charge a fee but so does an ATM. Istanbul is in the Middle east and on your cruise you visit quite a few ports, enjoy that leg of your extensive cruise. ENJOY YOUR CRUISE.

 

IMO, the exchange rate on board is quite poor -- especially compared to the small fee to use the ATM. However, if it is easier, exchange on board. The same really goes for using U.S. dollars -- they "welcome" them in some shops because they make more money. IMO, the best shops (non-tourist -- better merchanchise, etc.) do not take foreign currency. In fact, in Istanbul, some tourist shops had things from China.

[Rickey 88]

We are about to embark on a cruise from Istanbul to Singapore and would like some previous cruisers to advise if $US are widely accepted in these Countries. On South America cruise $US were accepted all over.

 

We were on the Nautica several years ago - and much depends on what you are shopping for....

Small items from local vendors can usually be paid for in U.S. dollars (depending on the merchant) and since the amount is small, the exchange rate is not that significant, but is never favorable!

However, if you intend to do some "serious" shopping, then please do use the local currency from a exchange bank, or use a credit card.....

[RachelG]

RachelG:

 

We too have a son that was deployed to both Iraq (2) and Afghanistan (2) and we did send him the dollar bills as requested, plus special treats to share. Safely home now in DC. Also, grew up in OKC. Boomer Sooner!

 

We are also traveling on the Istanbul to Luxor cruise next week. We will exchange a few dollars each day as needed. I agree many places do welcome US dollars.

 

Boomer Sooner back to you. And thank your son for his service.

 

I want to do the Istanbul to Luxor or similar cruise someday, but have to wait till at least 2014 so my son can go with us. He also was stationed in Cairo for awhile, so I would feel much better with him along.

 

Have a great cruise! And try to report on how things were when you return please.

[blondietoo]

We were in Jordan and Israel a few months ago.....they would NOT accept US dollars. Went to ATM 's at banks for local currency

[Linda_and_Bob]

Are you sure that local currency will be available on board? It wasn't on the Mariner in South America this past winter.

[Travelcat2]

Are you sure that local currency will be available on board? It wasn't on the Mariner in South America this past winter.

 

I'm definitely not sure because we would not think of using Regent to obtain local currency. Suggest you contact your TA or Regent directly. They should know.

[xrvlcruiser]

Linda and Bob,

 

In South America, did the ship have a local bank come on board in the various ports?

 

Thanks . . .Peggy

[Linda_and_Bob]

Linda and Bob,

 

In South America, did the ship have a local bank come on board in the various ports?

 

Thanks . . .Peggy

 

No. We expected that they might at the first port in a big country but they didn't, so we went to ATMs on shore. Weekends could be a problem because the ATMs close to the port were sometimes out of cash and not filled until Monday; we then found money changers that took dollars.

VISA worked the rest of the time for us; I guess it depends on what and where you're hoping to buy.

[xrvlcruiser]

Linda and Bob,

 

Thanks . . . .

 

Peggy

[AUSCHI]

We are boarding Seven Seas Mariner on 9 November in Monte Carlo. We are travelling from Australia and were wondering whether there are ATM's on board Seven Seas Mariner if we would want to obtain US Dollars.

[rallydave]

We are boarding Seven Seas Mariner on 9 November in Monte Carlo. We are travelling from Australia and were wondering whether there are ATM's on board Seven Seas Mariner if we would want to obtain US Dollars.

 

No ATM's on any Regent ships and doubt ATM's on any ships. You can exchange money at reception but, the exchange rate is horrid. Suggest you try to find someplace in OZ to exchange for US dollars if you really need them.

 

Only place on board you really need US dollars would be the Casino. Everything else can be put on your account and pay with a credit card where you do get a good exchange rate.

 

Think you can get $400 without a charge on your account and even if you need more, might be cheaper to pay the fee for dollars in the casino than the exchange rate. Simply ask for both the rates on board and take the cheaper one.