Exchanging Money: OPINIONS?

[albertablueskies]

Just trying to figure out the best way to pay for the incidentals on the excursions in all the countries. Is it best to get lots of travellers checks (American Express-US$) in small denominations, i.e. $20's or is it best to just use lots of US cash in small denominations.

 

If it's just plain cash then where's the best place to exchange Canadian for US dollars? At the bank? or at an ATM at the airport when we land in Orlando?

 

OPINIONS?:confused:

[Mike2131]

Just trying to figure out the best way to pay for the incidentals on the excursions in all the countries. Is it best to get lots of travellers checks (American Express-US$) in small denominations, i.e. $20's or is it best to just use lots of US cash in small denominations.

 

If it's just plain cash then where's the best place to exchange Canadian for US dollars? At the bank? or at an ATM at the airport when we land in Orlando?

 

OPINIONS?:confused:

 

if it is the Caribbean or Central America, I recommend cash (I presume this is for tips or perhaps small purchases). The folks you are tipping or buying from might not have any facilities to cash the traveler's checks. In addition, it wil save you the trouble and time of signing them every time you turn around.

As to the best place to get cash, your bank, American Express, or an ATM cash withdrawl is probably best. In a pinch, the Purser's Desk can probably help and there will be an ATM onboard. I presume the amount will be small, so the impact of the exchange rate or ATM fees will be pretty light. Once upon a time, American Express even offered foreign currency by mail. I would just shop around to make sure you don't get hit with any big, flat fee.

Have a great cruise!

[BLUEICE]

I would say convert your Canadian money into U.S. money here in Canada. The rate these days is amazing.

 

Don't forget to take lots of smaller bills for tipping bus drivers, baggage porters, room service etc..

 

You could always take travellers cheques as well if you are not comfortable carrying around cash. Guest Relations will cash them for you if needed.

 

Enjoy your cruise.

[smeyer418]

generally the best exchange rate you get will be using an ATM in the States. I am not sure about what the Canadian banks do, but with ATM's you get a wholesale rate of exchange and no fees. International withdrawals at bank ATM's normally don't charge a fee and if they do its $1 or $2.00 US. American express charges fees and uses a poorer exchange rate. Foreign currency by mail at most banks has large fees and poor exchange rates.

[CRUSINGFAMILY]

We always take a little cash for the trip to the ship and then once on the ship we go to the casino teller and take cash on the sail and sign card which is charged to our credit card, but not as a cash advance. You are allowed to take 400 dollars a day I believe and then I get airmiles on my expences on the cruise. I have read about one gentleman who takes 400 each day and pays it back when he gets home so he gets more travel miles LOL, crazy eh.

 

this works well for us

 

Brian J

[zuscruiserz]

We take approx. half cash half travelers checks. The ship's customer service desk will cash all travelers checks for you before you get off the ship.

[wolfcathorse]

take US currency in small denominations. Whatever you do, DONT USE YOUR CREDIT CARD for purchases in the Caribbean or Mexican Riviera. There are reports of unscrupulous(sp?) merchants copying the card info and using it later.

[warrior planner]

We too exchange our Canadian money to US funds into Travelers cheques then cash them at the casino on ship the night before a port stop. This way if we loose some we can get it replaced. Carrying cash and loosing it you can't. So we do not worry so much.:)