How do you pay for your onboard spending?

[Hilaurennn]

Hi Guys, first time cruiser here. 

 

We are cruising from southampton with celebrity in August and doing a Scandanavian cruise. 

 I'm basically looking for a credit card reccomendation where the conversion rate isn't high. One we can use to pay for the onboard spend and also pay for things  in Norway, Sweden etc. 

 

How do you usually pay and do you have any card reccomendations? Thanks so much! 

[babs135]

Have a look at Santander Zero. No extra fees for spending abroad.

[Host Hattie]

6 minutes ago, babs135 said:

Have a look at Santander Zero. No extra fees for spending abroad.

Another vote for Santander Zero, I've got a Starling current account so no fees on ATM withdrawals if you need cash.

[norahs-lot]

I use Halifax Clarity credit card and Starling debit card... MoneySavingExpert always has an up to date web page on top travel cards, credit and debit.

[Thejuggler]

Moneysavingexpert site has info on zero forex fees cards.  There are three at the moment: Chase, Halifax Clarity and Barclaycard Rewards.

 

Santander Zero is no longer available.

 

Barclaycard Rewards Visa is our daily credit card, we've used it in many countries and never had a problem.

 

As a back up we also have a Starling account for debit card and emergency fee free currency withdrawals, however unlike UK many overseas ATMs do charge a fee.

[Harters]

Based on the recommendation on the Money Saving Expert site some years back, we got a Halifax Clarity. We bank with NatWest and they have just changed their conditions and their debit card is now fee free for overseas transactions apparently. But check with the MSE website for up to date recommendations

 

When you pay for things, you'll usually be asked (by the machine) if you want to be charged in sterling or the local currency. Always choose the local currency. That way, the exchange rate will be the official interbank rate and not some extortionate  rate that the business has made up.

Edited May 21 by Harters

[John Bull]

Ship's currency is USD, and your on-board spending will all be shown in USD.

 

But a day or two before the end of your cruise you'll be offered the opportunity to have your card charged in sterling "for your convenience" 🙄

DECLINE that kind offer - your card will convert to sterling at a little above the wholesale rate, far better value than the cruise line converting it (kerrrr-ching). Even if you don't have a fee-free card it's still better value to keep the charge in USD and allow your card issuer to convert.

This is the case on any USD or euro ship - and probably the same with international travellers on a sterling ship.

 

Same applies ashore - always but always have your card charged in local currency.

That's not always easy - the card-readers of a lot of outlets automatically switch to the currency of the card, and it'll be at a poor exchange rate - so check the card screen before you swipe or PIN. If it's not in local currency insist that they change it.

That also means that you can confirm that the price is the same as the bill, menu, ticket price or whatever

 

JB 🙂