Purser Question

[NC Garden Traveler]

We are taking the Nautica cruise to southeast Asia in March and are doing a week of independent travel in China before boarding Nautica. Several of the tour guides in Vietnam have requested payment in US dollars. The cumulative amount is more than I want to carry on my person prior to boarding Nautica. Is it possible to deposit money with Oceania prior to the cruise and then withdraw money on an as-needed basis from the ship's purser? The total dollar amount is over $1,000 and I don't want to run into a snag after we get there.

 

Thanks,

David

[LHT28]

I would contact Oceania to be sure

 

You could probably give yourself an OBC then withdraw some cash

[ronrick1943]

Don't forget they have a safe in the room. We never had a problem carry cash for the trip.

Rick

[NC Garden Traveler]

I contacted Oceania and the answer is you can pre-purchase OBCs and withdraw up to $500 per day in cash. The advantage of pre-purchase is that there is no foreign transaction fee (charging them via credit card while aboard incurs foreign transaction fees as has been discussed elsewhere in another thread).

 

I'd also note that my call was answered very quickly (<15 seconds hold time). In another thread, a poster noted that he was upset about long hold times so I thought I'd add my experience to this post.

 

David

[CAG]

We have taken traveller checks on board and cashed them. Probably the only place that still accepts them.

[NC Garden Traveler]

I started this thread back in December seeking input on options for obtaining cash from the ship purser to pay for on-shore expenses. This posting documents what I have subsequently learned based on followup conversations with Oceania and others.

 

1. There are two types of OBCs: refundable and non-refundable. Refundable OBCs can be purchased by you, your travel agent, or anyone else. Both types are specifically for on-board purchases, and neither allows cash withdrawals for off-ship activities during the cruise. Any remaining balance on the account will be refunded at the end of the cruise either as a credit card credit or as cash (the choice is Oceania's). Non-refundable OBCs are issued by Oceania as a sales promotion and are lost if not used during the cruise. The benefit of OBCs is that Oceania does not impose a transaction fee on such purchases, whereas they do impose fees on credit cards. The inabiliity to exchange refundable OBCs for cash during a cruise contradicts statements made in several posts made elsewhere on the CC Oceania message board.

 

2. Oceania will cash US-denominated travelers checks without fee if you want US dollars. If you want any currency other than US dollars there is a transaction fee. Unfortuantely, many US banks no longer handle travelers checks and they are hard to find.

 

3. Oceania will allow cash withdrawals of up to $500/day against a credit card, but there is a transaction fee on-board as well as a foreign bank transaction fee.

 

4. Because of concerns about electronic hacking, some banks recommend buying a pre-paid debit card as a safe alternative for getting cash in foreign countries (i.e., as a modern-day replacement for travelers checks). Sounds like a reasonable option, but Oceania says that they would handle such a withdrawal the same as the do a credit card and impose the same fees.

 

Hope someone finds this useful. If anyone has had other experiece or suggestions, let me know.

 

David

[SweetPease]

This is interesting. I called Oceania just last week and the gentleman I spoke with checked with his manager who confirmed I could put money on my shipboard account and could withdraw up to $500 per day is US cash. Guess we will go back to the original idea of travelers checks.

[NC Garden Traveler]

Sweetpea,

 

The fact that you can't get a consistant answer from Oceania is very annoying. The first person I talked to gave me the same answer you got ($500/day from on-board account is OK). When I called back a couple of weeks later to set up an account, the rep said he would be able to take my money but that I couldn't withdraw it for on-shore expenses. When I explained that this contradicted the earlier information, he put me on hold to talk to his supervisor, and came back saying that his supervisor confirmed that you can't withdraw cash from a refundable OBC. He said you can withdraw $500/day as a cash advance with your credit card, but noted that the transaction would be subject to foreign currency exchange fees since Oceania uses a foreign bank to process on-board credit card transactions.

 

I subsequently found another CC thread discussing this topic and found a person who posted that he had an e-mail from Oceania confirming that that you could withdraw money from a refundable OBC, but when I contacted him he said he didn't actually have anything in writing, but argued that it is your money and you should be able to withdraw it when you want. I then contacted Oceania a third time, and tried to clearly state that I wanted to set up a refundable OBC prior to a cruise so that I could use the funds to cover on-shore expenses. The third agent restated the second reps position and stated that OBCs were specifically for on-board expenses and that if there were funds still in the account at the end of the cruise Oceania would issue a credit to your credit card as a refund. I found another posting on CC that stated that the purser on his cruise had sufficient funds on-board to give him cash rather than a credit card credit to settle the account, but that it was at the purser's convenience.

 

The bottom line from my discussions was that I could set up an OBC account and perhaps talk the purser into letting me take out cash, but that there was a very real possibility (if not likelihood) that he or she would refuse to do so. Before I would set up an account, I need to be certain that I can get the money out when I need it. Oceania's inability to provide consistent responses to this basic question is pretty darn amazing!

 

The only answer that I did consistently get was that the ship would exchange US-denominated travelers checks for US currency without imposing a fee and that there were no stated limitations on the dollar amount of such exchanges.

 

I you talk further with Oceania and get a clear and definitive answer, please let me know.

 

Thanks,

NC Garden Traveler

[Mura]

In terms of paying a deposit to a tour guide has anyone considered wire transfers or EFTs? Are these possible in such situations?

 

There's an obvious problem in taking a lot of cash with you, not just because of the possibility of theft but the customs regulations. So you might not be bringing in more than $10,000 in such a case ... but obviously you don't want to lose the money for any reason.

 

We recently had a tour in Rio where the guide wanted a deposit in advance. In the past Paypal worked but because there have been money laundering problems in the past (which make using PayPal difficult in Brazil), he asked us to use Western Union. This worked very easily -- at least to Brazil. If we used credit cards to send the money, there was a surcharge. Not a bad one, but still money you don't need to spend. If the money was withdrawn from a checking account, there was no surcharge -- but it took a couple of days longer.

 

So the next question is: would Western Union work in the countries the OP is asking about?

 

And if you use Western Union, you can set it up online. You don't have to go to a Western Union office.

 

Official Disclaimer: No, I don't work for Western Union. And I prefer not to use Western Union, but on the rare occasion when I have used Western Union, it has worked out just fine.

 

Mura

[SweetPease]

NC Garden Traveler,

 

Thanks for the additional information. This is what I was afraid of, consistently getting conflicting information. I honestly think the best bet in this case is to use travelers checks. I know some have said they are difficult to cash if you return with them to the US, but our credit union has not had an issue. Our daughter returned from 10 months researching in Jamaica and was able to deposit the remaining travelers checks into her credit union account this past summer.

 

Think we will revert to our original plan, carry some cash and some travelers checks. Better to be safe than sorry :)

Edited February 5, 2014 by SweetPease

[LHT28]

The method I use & may not work for everyone is

1) I have an account at a different bank than my other accounts

I put in some $$ for travel

I use the ATM's in port if I need extra money ...yes there is a fee to use most ATM's (I can live with that)

 

I can transfer funds from my main bank account to this travel account if I need more $$ (has not happened yet)

 

If my debit/bank card is stolen or compromised they will only get under $1000 as that is all I keep in there

 

I take a small amount of local currency to get me started wherever we are going

 

I have used this method for the past 10 yrs without issue

 

Not for everyone though

 

Lyn

[SweetPease]

Lyn,

 

Thanks for your advice and experience. We have started the process of opening a separate account for use during our cruise. We do that for college tuitions, etc. and should have thought of it for this. :o. Thanks again!

[kiawahdon]

Currently on Marina and have withdrawn $500 twice from my self funded Bon voyage gift.

Used cash in casino and on shore. No 5% haircut.

[LHT28]

I bet if you call Oceania 10 times you will get 10 different answers

 

There seems to be no consistency ...maybe the new trainees will get better manuals to find the correct answer

Phone rep & destinations services are not their strong suit IMO:(

 

Lyn

[JimandStan]

I understand that there was a recent Policy change vis-à-vis getting cash onboard, specifically because of all the upheaval in Southeast Asia and how those countries have asked Oceania as well as other Travel Service Companies to guard against money laundering and other unsavory activities.

 

We like to moan and groan about inefficiency, but if you really think about it, 98% of the Worlds problems are a result of a few people trying to beat the system.... :rolleyes:

[hondorner]

The method I use & may not work for everyone is

1) I have an account at a different bank than my other accounts

I put in some $$ for travel

I use the ATM's in port if I need extra money ...yes there is a fee to use most ATM's (I can live with that)

 

I can transfer funds from my main bank account to this travel account if I need more $$ (has not happened yet)

 

If my debit/bank card is stolen or compromised they will only get under $1000 as that is all I keep in there

 

I take a small amount of local currency to get me started wherever we are going

 

I have used this method for the past 10 yrs without issue

 

Not for everyone though

 

Lyn

 

Lyn,

 

Thanks for your advice and experience. We have started the process of opening a separate account for use during our cruise. We do that for college tuitions, etc. and should have thought of it for this. :o. Thanks again!

Even better is to select a bank which refunds any ATM fees. We have such an account with Schwab Bank, but I think there are others. When we see the message, "There will be a $3 fee to use this ATM, do you want to go ahead?", we smile because we know that Schwab will rebate the fee in our statement. It works anywhere in the world. Of course, there is also no Foreign Transaction Fee.

 

You do have to open a Schwab brokerage account in order to get the bank account, but there is no minimum and no fees, you never have to use the brokerage account.

 

I don't keep much in the account when we're not traveling; but I make a deposit before we leave to cover expected expenses and emergency funds. You can set up a transfer from/to a bank other than Schwab; it takes a couple of days to complete the transfer but you can do it all on line.

[qldtraveller]

NC Garden Traveler,

 

Thanks for the additional information. This is what I was afraid of, consistently getting conflicting information. I honestly think the best bet in this case is to use travelers checks. I know some have said they are difficult to cash if you return with them to the US, but our credit union has not had an issue. Our daughter returned from 10 months researching in Jamaica and was able to deposit the remaining travelers checks into her credit union account this past summer.

 

Think we will revert to our original plan, carry some cash and some travelers checks. Better to be safe than sorry :)

 

Hi

We are Australian and we have found on most of our tours we organise privately in Asia prefer USD(new ones or not torn and do not have certain serial numbers staring letters). As such we always take new USD with us to pay the balance to the tour operators. This very important. In fact in some countries the only currency accepted is USD.

 

We have travelled by car, train and cruised many times and never had an issue with the cash over the last 10 years,

 

We also have a cash card on which we have arranged in Australia a number of different currencies and which we pay Aussie dollars and it is converted into the currencies we nominate(Some are not allowed). We arrive in a country like Peru or Bolivia or Vietnam or Laos and go to an ATM and get some of the local currency for no add on fees. These are the safest and accepted globally. You also have a backup card with a different number on it so if you misplace the first one it can be cancelled and you use the 2nd one which has the cash on it also. Not sure if you have this in the USA but it is a great safety valve and also has no information regarding your accounts back home if anyone tries to use it. It is for currency transactions only.

 

This also has USD dollars on it so we can obtain from a bank in another country new USD if we run short.

 

We never use credit cards or travellers cheques(sorry checks) to obtain cash due to transaction fees and foreign exchange rates and we get charged interest on cash advances immediately until we pay it back.

 

In fact on recent trip to Venice we could not find a bank to exchange travellers cheques except for an American Express Office.

 

Hope this helps and the USA has similar facilities available for people when they travel.

[LHT28]

Even better is to select a bank which refunds any ATM fees. We have such an account with Schwab Bank, but I think there are others.

 

I doubt we have Schwab bank in Canada or any banks that refund the fees

At one time ING did not charge if you used the ATM's but I think that is gone with the times

 

If anyone knows of a Bank with no fees & refunds ATM fees in Canada please let me know

Edited February 6, 2014 by LHT28

[NC Garden Traveler]

Regarding the posts from hondorner, qldtravler, and JimandStan last night:

 

Each of these posts contain some useful information, but let me dig a little deeper. The situation I'm dealing with is in Southeast Asia where guides want to be paid in USD, as qldtraveler notes. Unfortunately, ATMs in Vietnam may be useful if you need dong, but aren't of much value if need USD.

 

Jimand Stan, can you further comment on the change is getting cash onboard in Southeast Asia? I haven't seen anything on the topic. Does your comment about money laundering imply a concern counterfeitting of USD? If so, are Oceania and others being encouraged to not provide cash, including to not cash travelers checks? I'd call Oceania and ask the question, but at this point I'm reluctant to trust the answer I'd get!

 

Thanks, NC Garden Traveler

[hondorner]

...The situation I'm dealing with is in Southeast Asia where guides want to be paid in USD, as qldtraveler notes. Unfortunately, ATMs in Vietnam may be useful if you need dong, but aren't of much value if need USD.

While I have the Schwab account to get local currency at an ATM without fees, I have never had a problem carrying enough US Dollars to meet my needs. I've carried thousands of Dollars in cash, both US Dollars and popular currency like Euros without worries.

 

I've posted in before, but a simple, inexpensive money belt, worn around my waist under my trousers, is a simple, worry free solution. I cannot think of any situation in which it's presence might become known, except a situation in which I wouldn't care any more, such as my death.

 

I got mine at Walmart for less than $20. When I arrive at a hotel or the ship, the carrier goes in the safe.

 

While this picture shows it over the trousers, I wear mine under my trousers and it's impossible to be seen.

 

 

The longest I've had to wear it is the length of the plane trip to my cruise departure, usually under 12 hours. Then it goes in the hotel safe until I wear it again for the short trip to the ship. Once on the ship, I never have to carry more than the cost of that day's tour, which I usually carry in one of the hidden zippered pockets of my Travelsmith pants or shorts. If I was wearing jeans or such, and was worried about pickpockets, I'd wear the money belt again, and find someplace private enough to loosen my trousers and dig into in when it comes time to pay for the tour.

 

I also recently purchased a travel vest with lots of pockets, including several hidden in the lining, and it's perfect for carrying everything from cash to passports to one pocket large enough to carry the 8" Samsung tablet I now use as my camera. It comes from Travelsmith for $59, has 14 pockets including hidden security pockets in the lining, and is great in most any weather but really great in slightly chilly weather as an additional layer under my Oceania windbreaker.

 

 

I'm not as young, slender or handsome as the model...:rolleyes::D:

 

[YoHoHo]

 

I'm not as young, slender or handsome as the model...:rolleyes::D:

Oh, I thought I didn't recognize that shirt;-)

Edited February 7, 2014 by YoHoHo

[YoHoHo]

I doubt we have Schwab bank in Canada or any banks that refund the fees

At one time ING did not charge if you used the ATM's but I think that is gone with the times

 

If anyone knows of a Bank with no fees & refunds ATM fees in Canada please let me know

As for monthly fees my accounts are 'pay for what you use unless a minimum balance is maintained'. At current interest rates this is for me the cheapest option. As for' foreign' bank ATM withdrawal fees I usually just pay the going rate. I use a CC for all I can and only go to the well to replenish cash if spent more than planned in order to reduce the number of transactions. On one three week land trip where unlike on a cruise I could not leave cash in a safe to dip into as needed I did use an ATM more frequently. When advising the bank I would be using the card in Europe they switched my freebie account to a premium monthly fee account that included free ATM fees anywhere - and then waived the fee for 30 days and switched it back on my return. More card shuffling than I would normally do on my own.

[LHT28]

As for monthly fees my accounts are 'pay for what you use unless a minimum balance is maintained'. At current interest rates this is for me the cheapest option. As for' foreign' bank ATM withdrawal fees I usually just pay the going rate. I use a CC for all I can and only go to the well to replenish cash if spent more than planned in order to reduce the number of transactions. On one three week land trip where unlike on a cruise I could not leave cash in a safe to dip into as needed I did use an ATM more frequently. When advising the bank I would be using the card in Europe they switched my freebie account to a premium monthly fee account that included free ATM fees anywhere - and then waived the fee for 30 days and switched it back on my return. More card shuffling than I would normally do on my own.

 

I have NO FEE accounts here the only fee is if I used an ATM not associated with my bank

So I guess the ATM fee of about $3-$5 per transaction will not break me when travelling

I very seldom withdraw extra cash... except in Budapest & Norway I needed a little more than I planned all those extra zeros add up ;)

[NC Garden Traveler]

Currently on Marina and have withdrawn $500 twice from my self funded Bon voyage gift.

Used cash in casino and on shore. No 5% haircut.

 

I realize that I'm probably becoming a bit OCD about this, but I'd really like to get to the bottom of Oceania's policy. Rather than trusting an answer from someone answering phones in Miami, I guessing the folks who are employed as Pursers on Oceania ships know what the rules are. Kiawahdon, if you are still on Marina, would you be willing to discuss this topic with the Purser? I'd love to know what you find out!

 

Thanks,

NC Garden Traveler

[qldtraveller]

Regarding the posts from hondorner, qldtravler, and JimandStan last night:

 

Each of these posts contain some useful information, but let me dig a little deeper. The situation I'm dealing with is in Southeast Asia where guides want to be paid in USD, as qldtraveler notes. Unfortunately, ATMs in Vietnam may be useful if you need dong, but aren't of much value if need USD.

 

Jimand Stan, can you further comment on the change is getting cash onboard in Southeast Asia? I haven't seen anything on the topic. Does your comment about money laundering imply a concern counterfeitting of USD? If so, are Oceania and others being encouraged to not provide cash, including to not cash travelers checks? I'd call Oceania and ask the question, but at this point I'm reluctant to trust the answer I'd get!

 

 

 

Thanks, NC Garden Traveler

 

 

Hi NC Garden Traveler

Sorry to mislead you.

No the ATM's in the country may not distribute USD but the bank concerned takes the card we have and issues USD from our USD balance and we get local from ATM if card has that currency on it.

Myanmar is a perfect example. No ATM's or only a few, very few credit card facilities so cash is needed mainly in USD banks provide them.

Sorry to have mislead you.

Regards

qldtraveller