Andes & Cape Horn March 2014

[bagsrpacked55]

We are booked for Andes & Cape Horn next March. We have two questions. Are yellow fever vacinations required to board the ship? How do you handle all the currencies? Do most take US dollars?:confused:

[paul929207]

We did not need a YF shot for our South America Circumnavigation on the Grand Princess this year.

 

US $ are accepted in most places in South America.

[mreasier]

We were on the same cruise with Paul. I agree that we could use USD or credit cards almost everywhere. We did get some Chilean Pesos at an ATM mostly because it was fun to hold 10,000 peso bills. The exchange rate was about 470 to one. It made us feel rich (momentarily).

[Pam in CA]

No yellow fever vaccinations. I believe the only place in South America where one is required is Devil's Island.

 

I've taken several cruises in South America and never got nor needed to exchange currency.

[solisgirl]

We're also doing a south American cruise on princess next year. We understand we could use USD most everywhere in SA, but we will be doing pre and post trips, so we don't want to be traveling with big amount of cash from one country to the other. will the ATM aboard the Ship give us USD or will it be the local currency?

 

thanks in advance.

[rjs412]

Sailed on the Star Princess from San Francisco round the horn to Rio in 2008. This was one of our all time favorite cruises. From what I recall all locations accepted US currency. I recommend taking lots of small denomination bills with you - then you can take what you need to shore. If you disembark in Brazil you will need a Visa and proof of yellow fever vaccination.

 

Have a great cruise!

 

Rick

[rjs412]

We're also doing a south American cruise on princess next year. We understand we could use USD most everywhere in SA, but we will be doing pre and post trips, so we don't want to be traveling with big amount of cash from one country to the other. will the ATM aboard the Ship give us USD or will it be the local currency?

 

thanks in advance.

 

The ATM on the ship will dispense US currency. You can also get currency through the casino. Just use your cruise card to buy some chips and then cash them in after you're finished gambling.

[paul929207]

Many of the South American countries will not accept US dollars that are worn or torn. Make sure your bills are in good condition

[seamwoman]

Before our South America cruise in January, 2012 I didn't have the right currency for a water in Brazil! Some local currency is needed if you travel there. We did not need any vaccinations.

[MicCanberra]

US currency is fine as long as it is in reasonable condition.:D

[Pam in CA]

We're also doing a south American cruise on princess next year. We understand we could use USD most everywhere in SA, but we will be doing pre and post trips, so we don't want to be traveling with big amount of cash from one country to the other. will the ATM aboard the Ship give us USD or will it be the local currency?

You really don't want to use the ATM on the ship for several reasons. One is that the exchange rate sucks. Two is that there's a $3.50 service fee per transaction. Three, it's dependent on an Internet connection which is never guaranteed.

 

I've done pre-cruise trips in South America several times, including last year to Galapagos and a few years ago to Iguasu Falls, and never needed or used local currency.

 

Bring crisp US$ bills in good condition. That's all I needed. Sometimes, you have to request new bills in advance. Chile is VERY particular about the condition of the bills. I get bills in excellent condition and iron them. I kid you not. :)

[MicCanberra]

You really don't want to use the ATM on the ship for several reasons. One is that the exchange rate sucks. Two is that there's a $3.50 service fee per transaction. Three, it's dependent on an Internet connection which is never guaranteed.

 

I've done pre-cruise trips in South America several times, including last year to Galapagos and a few years ago to Iguasu Falls, and never needed or used local currency.

 

Bring crisp US$ bills in good condition. That's all I needed. Sometimes, you have to request new bills in advance. Chile is VERY particular about the condition of the bills. I get bills in excellent condition and iron them. I kid you not. :)

 

You can always fold the money, that way it increases:D.

[Astro Flyer]

We are booked for Andes & Cape Horn next March. We have two questions. Are yellow fever vacinations required to board the ship? How do you handle all the currencies? Do most take US dollars?:confused:

Welcome to Cruise Critic & hope you'll go to the roll call if you're on the Golden's SA cruise in March 2014.

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?p=38143316#post38143316

[Gunner22aa]

US will work fine. Some of your older currency had smaller images of the president on it. Make sure you don't have any of these "small head" bills because even the street vendors will refuse them. If you feel the need for local currency go to a local bank and use their ATM. Have done it many times in the past with about a $3 service charge. You can also go to a teller and exchange US.

[biker1972]

You should not "need" a YF shot for your protection if the only places you are traveling in SA are the major ports and nearby shore excursions. Sometimes the YF shot can affect future travels and crossing borders. Chili and Peru have had long standing political issues and sometimes making a land crossing between these two countries without the YF shot can stop you at the border. Some countries view your past travels, and see that you had a Peru or Brazil entry and demand that you have the YF shot. Check each country that you plan to visit in the near future to see what is needed. Also if you are planning an Iguazu visit, it is on the edge of a known YF area and that makes the shot worth considering. They are good for 10 years and give you more freedom to choose exotic destinations such as Vietnam or Africa.

 

If you are staying a few days in one country and using local transportation such as cabs or subways a small amount of local currency is helpful. I found the the exchange rate at the currency exchange in the hotel we used in BA was very competitive and easy to access.

[donaldsc]

You might also check w your physician to see if you should get the shot, even if it is not required. He will know things about your current medical conditions that might be relevant.

 

DON

[cdngrl]

I went to a travel clinic that gave me waiver of yellow fever vaccination.

[MicCanberra]

Good to know about the yellow fever shots as I plan to go to Iguazzu and the tour people said it was not really necessary.:D