Currency exchange QM2

[Norfolk Brit]

Have searched for answer to this one and can't find anything. Is it possible to get currency for port stops on board using a chip and pin debit card or personal cheque; I am trying to avoid taking traveller's cheques and euros.

[2moose]

Have searched for answer to this one and can't find anything. Is it possible to get currency for port stops on board using a chip and pin debit card or personal cheque; I am trying to avoid taking traveller's cheques and euros.

The purser deals in several major currencies and i think a debit card would be acceptable of course there is a small fee!! good luck

[travel-to-go]

Have searched for answer to this one and can't find anything. Is it possible to get currency for port stops on board using a chip and pin debit card or personal cheque; I am trying to avoid taking traveller's cheques and euros.

There is a currency changing machine- I believe it is on 2 deck forward, though I coould be wrong about the loc. I didn't have to change any currency. I don't know if it also functions as an ATM, or just changing from one currency to another. There is also an ATM on board (although they tend to be pricey on ships- the fees, and such) I would assume it's is international to most if not all debit cards. Additionally, you should be able to put money on your room account at the purser's desk, They now allow you to buy casino chips with your onboard account, which used to be strictly verboten- To protect problem gamblers, or maybe those who are a bit too exhuberant and maybe had a few drinks from racking up charges unthinkingly. I believe there is a limit though. So I am guessing you can get a certain amount added to your room onboard account. Perhpas a couple of hundred?

 

Karie, who really didn't answer much of your question. But at least you can CHANGE currency!

[FuranzuMaru]

The purser's office cannot issue money against your credit/debit card - I tried to do this but it is against their rules. Dollars are available from the ATM in the casino. Personally, I would go to an ATM in the port of call and extract the local currency there. (you will get a better rate too)

[2moose]

The purser's office cannot issue money against your credit/debit card - I tried to do this but it is against their rules. Dollars are available from the ATM in the casino. Personally, I would go to an ATM in the port of call and extract the local currency there. (you will get a better rate too)

why does the pursers office publish the daily exchange rate at thier counter if they do not issue cash on board???, Just curious as I never had a need to use this service

[JWB.ESQ]

In our experience, the Purser's Office will EXCHANGE cash for cash and will also cash and change traveller's cheques into different currencies.

[2moose]

In our experience, the Purser's Office will EXCHANGE cash for cash and will also cash and change traveller's cheques into different currencies.

thanx for the info!!!!!!!!!

[JWB.ESQ]

Just a couple more thoughts:

 

2moose is spot on to refer to currency exchange as a "service," and I think a human at a counter is preferable to an ATM. I always like to hit the ground at my destination with a reasonable supply of local specie in smaller denominations for tips to porters, drivers, etc. The Purser's Office has always been able to provide an appropriate array of bills and coins.

 

Also, exchanging currency is a way to have a pleasant word with staff at the Purser's Office. If you need exchange, don't wait until the last minute. I make it a point to change my "walking around" money early in the voyage. Whenever I pass through the lobby, I check the Purser's Desk. I step up when there are no passengers on line, exchange a few plesantries along with my $$, and am done in less time than it takes to log on to an ATM.

 

Lastly, as with bar service, I think that there's an intangible benefit to being recognized by staff behind the counter as a "friendly face." I've never had an ATM ask me how my day was, or greet me by name.

 

Is the exchange rate higher or lower than an ATM? Don't know, and don't care. I'm talking small numbers, and, to me, the service and conveniece are worth any small % difference.

[Bollinge]

Yes, there are ATM's on board, which pay out in US dollars, and which charge a fee (5 bucks per transaction on Celebrity cruises) and you can obtain local currency for each port of call (at a not very great rate) at the ship's bank. ATM's ashore are the best bet.

 

Americans often don't bother with any currency exchange, and in my experience most places are happy to take "Yankee dollar".

[tartegnin]

The answer will also depend on your itinerary and what you think you'll need money for in port stops. If you're on a cruise in Euope, and need some small money for ice cream etc., I would just bring along a bunch of euros or get euros using your bank card in an ATM at your first port of call. Bear in mind if it is Europe, you'll be fine with credit cards for almost everything (except really small stuff or on the street purchases) in Europe these days, and if you just need 50 euros or so, I'd bring it along. Again, if it's Europe we're talking about (just guessing, from your Euro mention), then may I disagree with Bollinge, and say that dollars are only good if you're changing them at the bank ...

[Norfolk Brit]

My thanks to you all; every time I have a daft question you take the trouble to reply. It's unfortunate that, having studied the boards, there seems to be no faith in Cunard's ability to answer questions factually, hence I don't bother to ask them.

 

Thanks again

 

Regards, Mary