Debit card on Australia cruise

[BoopTennis]

My princess cruise in Australia will use AUD$ for onboard currency. If i want to use a debit card when paying off my account when disembarking, to avoid the credit card surcharge, does it matter if that debit card is loaded with US$ or AUD$?

[OzKiwiJJ]

No, your bank will convert the AUD to USD. However some banks charge Foreign Transaction Fees.

 

Also be aware that the cruise lines put daily hold on cards, debit or credit. These can effectively lock up your funds until the holds are released, which can take several days. With a debit card you would need to have at least double your expected expenditure in that account to cover the unreleased holds and the actual payment. One option would be to use a credit card initially then go to Guest Services on the last day and change it to your debit card.

[pops808]

USD... but why use a debit card , the exchange rate will wash out the surcharge + points on a cc transaction  imo

[BoopTennis]

Maybe. Depending on what exchange rate is being used. Just looking for best financial option to use

[OzKiwiJJ]

24 minutes ago, pops808 said:

USD... but why use a debit card , the exchange rate will wash out the surcharge + points on a cc transaction  imo

The exchange rate conversion will apply on both debit and credit cards.

 

Note: Do NOT request Princess to charge your card in USD as you will get an appalling exchange rate. Request the final charge in AUD. This also applies when using a debit or credit card in restaurants or shops that offer you the option to pay in your own currency. Always select local currency and allow your bank or credit card provider to do the currency conversion. Why? Look up Dynamic Currency Conversion. Also if possible use cards that don't charge foreign transaction fees.

Edited August 10, 2019 by OzKiwiJJ

[casofilia]

Carry Australian cash and put it on your folio the first day.   You can get the excess the last evening.

 

Also remember that you have to pay gratuities that those of us in the Antipodes actually pay with our cruise fare when cruising in "Australia"

Edited August 10, 2019 by casofilia

[Jetstreamer]

Really not worth it to avoid a 1.1% charge.  If your bill is $1000 you are paying $11 extra.  That's one cocktail!

 

Much better to use a credit card so your funds are not being frozen with pre-authorizations and you don't have to worry about having money in the account.  

 

In fact you should be able to get 1.1% or more back in rewards if you are using the right credit card (e.g. cashback or airline miles card).

[BoopTennis]

I agree with you. Will just use credit card. Thank you everyone for the ideas and info