How to get cash on board???

[micmse2003]

Is there a way to get cash once you are in the ship. If we plan on doing excursions on our own we might need cash. To buy souvenirs ..we need cash. Hate to charge and pay the credit card company AN EXTRA FEE. Hate to travel with lots of cash. Does anyone know how this works??? Called Oceania and got lots of different answers.:confused::confused::confused:

[Cruseforme]

It all depends on how you are obtaining the cash. Per O's FAQ section:

 

Casino Cash Advance:

Guests must be 18 or older to enter or gamble in the casinos on our ships. US dollars are used. A 3% fee will be charged to your account if we receive a cash advance against your shipboard account. There is a $3,000 maximum per guest per day for these cash advances. ... - But in a pinch, it is a way to obtain cash onboard, but be aware, casino hours are limited. And, only open when in International waters.

 

Can I exchange my money for local currency?

For European voyages, Euros may be purchased from reception. For destinations in Europe that do not utilize the Euro, along with Far East and China, South America and the Caribbean, we will endeavor to provide currency exchange services onboard or provide the guest with information on currency exchange services available ashore. All foreign currency exchange transactions will be charged to the guest's onboard account and a 5% transaction fee will be applied by Oceania Cruises.

 

Can I use my credit card to get a cash advance on the ship?

Cash advances are available at the reception desk. A daily limit of $500 per registered card can be billed to the guest's shipboard account. A 5% transaction fee will be applied to your account.

 

Can I cash a traveler’s check or personal check on the ship?

Traveler’s checks are cashed on board our ships. We do not charge a service fee for cashing the checks into US currency. A 5% transaction fee will be added to your onboard account if require foreign currency. Personal checks are not accepted.

[Paulchili]

Is there a way to get cash once you are in the ship. If we plan on doing excursions on our own we might need cash. To buy souvenirs ..we need cash. Hate to charge and pay the credit card company AN EXTRA FEE. Hate to travel with lots of cash. Does anyone know how this works??? Called Oceania and got lots of different answers.:confused::confused::confused:

 

Why not use local ATMs wherever you are?

Besides, when using some credit cards, there is no foreign exchange fee and when balance is paid in full, no finance charge either.

Edited September 21, 2015 by Paulchili

[ORV]

There are all kinds of credit cards that don't levy a foreign transaction fee. Capital One is a good place to start.

 

Most debit cards can be used to get cash in ports. Check with your bank to see how yours works.

 

Even if your credit card charged a FTF it would probably be cheaper than the fees Oceania would charge you.

 

Where are you going?

[LHT28]

We take a small amount of the local currency with us or find an ATM if we need more

You are going to pay a fee somewhere along the way if is just a fact of life when travelling out of the Country

:rolleyes:

[indigosails]

Simply go to the front desk and ask. Give them your key card and they will give you the amount of cash you need. There is a small fee, but you are going to pay some sort of fee everywhere.

[Flatbush Flyer]

Though some credit cards carry no foreign transaction fee (e.g., United Airlines Explorer Visa), you do not want to use them for cash withdrawals. Most often, interest on that "loan" begins accruing immediately. Instead, use the ATM card of a bank which charges no extra fee and which reimburses the fee charged by a foreign bank for using their ATM.

[Paulchili]

Simply go to the front desk and ask. Give them your key card and they will give you the amount of cash you need. There is a small fee, but you are going to pay some sort of fee everywhere.

 

(bolding mine)

Not necessarily.

We do not pay ATM fees for using other banks' ATMs and get official rate of exchange when using foreign banks' ATMs.

When using credit cards for purchases (not cash advances) we do not get charged foreign exchange fees and pay the balance on time - thus no interest.

When you travel frequently, these things really matter; if you only do this infrequently then it is less important as the fees are not that substantial.

[ronrick1943]

I agree, use your ATM debit card, it's works everytime---comes right out of your account. That way you don't need a lot of cash to carry around with you. Anything else I need I use my credit card.

 

Rick

[Mura]

We always use our debit card to get cash from an ATM and credit cards for purchases.

 

More and more credit cards are chip-enabled these days (I recently received replacement cards for the non-chip cards from two banks before expiration of the older cards) and likewise don't charge those extra fees. There are sources on the web to find out which cards may be best. Just try googling.

 

Mura

[travelglobetrotter]

Our bank offers a travel account with its own debit card, and we use this when we travel. We usually keep a small amount in this no fee account, and can fund it from our main account via on line transfer to the account. We like it for the convenience, and because it limits our loss should our card be compromised, to just what's left in the travel account. We also bring along dollars needed to pay for excursions booked, and small bills for tips.

 

We also use a no foreign transaction fee CC with a chip and signature if we do make large purchases.