Exchange rate and paying in dollars - med cruise

[Ifoundmydream]

For those who know or who have travelled on RCI from the UK, is it possible to pay cash for your account bill at the end of the cruise in USD? I think it would be cheaper to exchange GBP for dollars in the UK and then pay in dollars on the last evening, rather than using the cruise lines rates of exchange?

 

Already I have found that their exchange rate for a 5 bottle wine package is £20 more expensive than if I were paying in dollars on board.

 

Any advice would be gratefully received.

[tobykins]

Hi I always tell them I want my credit card to do the exchange not them when boarding , and yes you need to register your credit card but it isn't charged until the end so can pay the balance in any currency, pounds , euro or dollars

[Ifoundmydream]

That makes the beer prices a little cheaper I think!! Thank you x

[sky0000547]

The onboard accounts are charged in USD so paying it off in USD should be straight forward.

 

It's only for the pre-pay are charged in GBP.

[setsail]

Yes

[Ifoundmydream]

Hi I always tell them I want my credit card to do the exchange not them when boarding , and yes you need to register your credit card but it isn't charged until the end so can pay the balance in any currency, pounds , euro or dollars

 

Thank you. Do you know if all the menus are in dollars or do they add a gbp price for sailings from the UK?

[Clarea]

Thank you. Do you know if all the menus are in dollars or do they add a gbp price for sailings from the UK?

All the prices are in USD.

[tobykins]

No all menus are in dollars.

Also take dollars for the casino if you intend to use it, as you get charged a surcharge to buy chips on your sea pass.

The only downside is you pay Spanish port tax for any cruises departing from Spain on any bar purchases. Sorry I can not remember the percentage.

[tobykins]

Sorry just realised you are sailing from the uk so there will be no port tax on drinks.

[setsail]

You can take your home currency to the casino and also use it for room service tips

[Ifoundmydream]

No all menus are in dollars.

Also take dollars for the casino if you intend to use it, as you get charged a surcharge to buy chips on your sea pass.

The only downside is you pay Spanish port tax for any cruises departing from Spain on any bar purchases. Sorry I can not remember the percentage.

 

Ughhhhhh, well we are visiting six Spanish ports. Hopefully. Depending on the Gibraltar saga :D

[Ifoundmydream]

You can take your home currency to the casino and also use it for room service tips

 

Ahhh, that's useful to know thank you.

[Ifoundmydream]

Sorry just realised you are sailing from the uk so there will be no port tax on drinks.

 

Oh so it's not the ports in Spain that you visit, it's if you start in Spain?

[tobykins]

Yes that's correct it's only the departure port then it comes under apanish law, so you will be fine I have never notice a tax when I have sailed from the uk, are you American I am positive non eueopeans can claim tax back on purchases too i.e. watches ect.

[tobykins]

Sorry lots of errors there

[Ifoundmydream]

Yes that's correct it's only the departure port then it comes under apanish law, so you will be fine I have never notice a tax when I have sailed from the uk, are you American I am positive non eueopeans can claim tax back on purchases too i.e. watches ect.

 

Noooooo I'm a brummie :D

[tobykins]

Oh ha ha well take plenty of euro and dollars to save you exchanging on board have a great time

[sky0000547]

You will want to take 3 currencies. USD for ship spending. Euros for port spending. GBP for back up.

[Ifoundmydream]

Brilliant thank you. Can I also put money on my set sail card in advance and/or pay off in bits during the week? (I am having to keep a close eye on spending this holiday)

[tobykins]

Not sure about in advance , but I have seen people pay as they go along when queuing at guest relations.

[novicetraveller]

Get a prepaid currency card and lock in the best possible rate you can. Some people will say don't do it, but I haven't had any problems using it.

[sky0000547]

Can I also put money on my set sail card in advance and/or pay off in bits during the week? (I am having to keep a close eye on spending this holiday)

 

Does it really matter? You get receipts for all your purchase onboard. You can check how much you have spent as you go. But I think you can put cash into your account beforehand if not using credit card.

 

You don't really want to keep popping over to guest relations. The line is always long.

[tobykins]

Yes it is always long, but you can check your balance on you stateroom tv at any time.

[clarky213]

Get a prepaid currency card and lock in the best possible rate you can. Some people will say don't do it, but I haven't had any problems using it.

 

DO NOT GET A PRE-PAID CURRENCY CARD, You cannot use them on the Ship. I found out the hard way, I Had $1200 on a pre-paid card and they would not accept it. Good Job I had my Credit Card with me too.

 

Cost me £150 when cashing the card back in due to the different exchange rates.

[novicetraveller]

DO NOT GET A PRE-PAID CURRENCY CARD, You cannot use them on the Ship. I found out the hard way, I Had $1200 on a pre-paid card and they would not accept it. Good Job I had my Credit Card with me too.

 

Cost me £150 when cashing the card back in due to the different exchange rates.

 

Never had a problem with them. In the 3 cruises I have done, my prepaid currency card worked every time.

 

Plus, I wouldn't have recommended it if I know them not to work. Not sure which one you used, so can't comment as to why you had issues.