Wise debit card on ovation of the seas

[Peakhurst-2024]

Hi all

first time cruiser and want to know if anyone has used a wise debit card as the card on file while on a cruise? I want to avoid using my personal debit card and have been reading about the rates being better when using a wise card and transferring money onto it before we go and providing that card as the payment t method when boarding 

[1025cruise]

I've never heard of a Wise debit card, but generally the recommendation is to not use a debit card at all due to the holds and how long it takes for them to be released and your money to be available.

[Essiesmom]

I gather the Wise card is an Aussie thing?  The thing about credit and debit cards is that the cruise line estimates how much the average cruiser is going to spend onboard per day.  Then they put a hold on your card for that amount…sometimes daily or sometimes in a lump sum.  That ties up part of the funds on your card, even though it is not actually charged.  And when the cruise ends and they do charge your card, those holds do not immediately fall off, leaving the card company to think you have overspent.  In which case you might want to put twice as much on the card as you think you will spend.  
  If you scroll way down the boards page, you will see a board for Aussie and NZ cruisers.  You might ask your question there.  And you might list the cruise line you are sailing, too, as not all lines do the same.  EM

Edited yesterday at 06:14 PM by Essiesmom

[Host Kat]

8 hours ago, Peakhurst-2024 said:

Hi all

first time cruiser and want to know if anyone has used a wise debit card as the card on file while on a cruise? I want to avoid using my personal debit card and have been reading about the rates being better when using a wise card and transferring money onto it before we go and providing that card as the payment t method when boarding 

 

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To help you out, your thread has been moved to the Australia & New Zealand Cruisers forum as @Essiesmom mentions. It is a forum such as our UK Cruisers forum but where cruisers from your area discuss cruising.

 

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Host Kat

[Bubbeh]

Nup, I've never even heard of a Wise Card.  Off to chat with my mate Mr Google to find out more.

[arxcards]

 

[arxcards]

What is important when cruising with Royal Caribbean. As an Aussie, by default they will want to charge your account in $AU. That means they will be doing the conversion on your behalf, and it is done at a pretty poor rate. At check-in, make sure they know you are electing to be charged in $US. That way, you will get the better Wyse conversion rate, otherwise getting the card will be futile.