International currency on ships sailing in Europe / Baltic?

[jonj]

Traveling to Europe and on the NOS Baltic cruise. I understand that most ATM's will offer the best exchange rate however if for some reason it is needed does the ship offer foreign currency to be purchased onboard? Are rates crazy or just a little more than at ATM's? With visiting seven different countries and five currencies getting my notes together.

[TeeRick]

We did the Baltics in 2015 and the ship in general had USD and Euros. Countries not on the Euro will generally accept them anyway. For Russia check with your tour company unless you have your own Visa and plan to explore on your own - then you will need Rubles. Before we left we went to our bank and ordered a small amount of each currency for those countries not on the euro (including rubles). It might take a few days to get these currencies. If in the US you can also use AAA if you are a member.

[jonj]

Thank you.

 

 

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[Cauzneffct]

We did the Baltic in 2012 on Princess and got by with Euros and credit cards. We paid for something in St. Petersburg with dollars and got rubles back in change.

[Biker19]

We did the Baltic in 2012 on Princess and got by with Euros and credit cards.

Plan for this ^ (get Euros at an airport ATM when you land in Europe).

Edited April 6, 2017 by Biker19

[Sancho_proudfoot]

Plan for this ^ (get Euros at the airport when you land in Europe).

 

 

Airport exchange rates are infamously poor. Use an ATM away from the airport.

[Biker19]

I updated my post - meant to specify ATM at the airport - has same exchange rate as the one in town.

 

Biker, who has not exchanged actual cash in 10+ years.

[Clarea]

I updated my post - meant to specify ATM at the airport - has same exchange rate as the one in town.

Our experience at BCN was that the airport ATM had the same exchange rate as the bank ATM near our hotel near Playa Cataluna.

[sky0000547]

Previously on EX in Europe, the ATM in casino dispensed USD and the ATM at Guest Services dispensed EUR. Other ships in Europe might have similar setup, failing that Guest Services might exchange.

 

I personally would use my credit card or withdraw at local ATMs.

[jonj]

Thanks everyone. We normally get some currency at our local bank before we leave just for grabbing a drink at the airport, etc. but with multiple currency it wouldn't make sense since we wouldn't need much as we would use credit cards for purchases. We have two that do not charge international exchange fees.

 

 

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[Biker19]

Our experience at BCN was that the airport ATM had the same exchange rate as the bank ATM near our hotel near Playa Cataluna.

and it should be the same exchange rate as anything charged on a credit card the same day.

[Ashland]

You would find just a small bit of difference exchanging US currency onboard vs an ATM (and yes our RCI ship had local currencies available except Rubles...but no problem there our private tour guide paid or some vender's easily took our US$'s for small purchases) ...Since we exchange such a small amount it was much more convenient during our Baltic cruise to make an exchange each night before getting into any port that needed a different type. Worked well for us and no need to take cash with you that you may or may not end up needing or looking for an ATM and hoping that it's working and you'll have no problems with your card. I may be the only one but I prefer to not use foreign ATM's.

[cruise8218]

We did a Baltics cruise a few years ago. (Best trip EVER!!) We used AAA to get a bit of money in each of the currencies before we left. We didn't bring large amounts of cash, but just enough for a few small purchases. With the cash we carried, and a credit card to use as well if we needed it, we were completely prepared for every country. Have a wonderful time!

[TeeRick]

We did the Baltic in 2012 on Princess and got by with Euros and credit cards. We paid for something in St. Petersburg with dollars and got rubles back in change.

 

It is actually illegal in Russia to use foreign currencies so technically you must use rubles for your cash. Not sure how or if this is really enforced. Tour guides took euro's for tips when we were there. We also used our credit card to pay for out 2-day tour with ALLA Tours. It was not an issue. Check with your credit card issuer to make sure they will allow its use in Russia and let them know you are on a trip.

[Ashland]

It is actually illegal in Russia to use foreign currencies so technically you must use rubles for your cash. Not sure how or if this is really enforced. Tour guides took euro's for tips when we were there. We also used our credit card to pay for out 2-day tour with ALLA Tours. It was not an issue. Check with your credit card issuer to make sure they will allow its use in Russia and let them know you are on a trip.

Technical or not...We also used US$'s to pay for some small items at the tent market's across from the Hermitage Museum;)

[George C]

We bought our Euro's from our bank at a decent rate. All the counties we visited had Euro's as official currency but one and they did accept euro's ( Croatia)

[TeeRick]

UK, Denmark, Sweden and Russia not on the euro so a significant part of a Baltic cruise.

[nelblu]

Traveling to Europe and on the NOS Baltic cruise. I understand that most ATM's will offer the best exchange rate however if for some reason it is needed does the ship offer foreign currency to be purchased onboard? Are rates crazy or just a little more than at ATM's? With visiting seven different countries and five currencies getting my notes together.

 

 

When we cruised the Serenade a few years ago, the ships' exchange rate of the $ vs the E was much better than what I got from Bank of America and I'm a preferrred customer.

[Gwendy]

When we cruised the Serenade a few years ago, the ships' exchange rate of the $ vs the E was much better than what I got from Bank of America and I'm a preferrred customer.

If you are only exchanging enough for a drink, a lunch and a few souvenirs, the exchange rate is not an issue. For $100 difference in exchange rates could be about $5.

We found locals appreciated you using local currency.

Remember if they accept US $ they have to pay fees when exchanging it for their local currency so they often build this extra cost into their pricing.

One interesting point in Vladivostok at the market on the pier some traders were showing prices in Aus and US. Same price for both currencies. AU $ at the time was buying 75 cents to US.

[Biker19]

When we cruised the Serenade a few years ago, the ships' exchange rate of the $ vs the E was much better than what I got from Bank of America and I'm a preferrred customer.

You are so preferred by B of A, they screw you royally (and perhaps not just on the exchange rate)..;p

 

Biker, who would never exchange any money in the US.