currency conversion

[ondeckatsea]

Our next cruise will be transatlantic and it's our first in that direction. How and where do you convert your American dollars to the British pounds and Euros? Do you just use credit cards to make less trouble? Can we do it here in the USA?

[Andee]

We found using our debit cad for as many European purchases as possible to be the most economical--it had the fewest fees. We used ATMs for walking around money.

[cherylandtk]

Check with the bank that issues your credit card; they almost all have conversion fees of 1%-3% although they do have the best exchange rates. ATMs overseas are very convenient for walking around money; but again, check your bank conversion fees in addition to the ATM fee and be aware of the going exchange rate. Most US banks will be happy to obtain pounds and euros for you in advance of your trip--fees vary but you can find flat rates of about $5-$10. Small amounts can usually be converted at the Purser's office onboard without a separate conversion fee, but they don't have the best exchange rates.

[Keith1010]

We use a combination of credit cards for purchases and ATM cards to obtain some cash. In both cases, before you go let your credit card and ATM card banks know the dates for your trip and the places being visited so they do not think any of these tranactions are fraud related.

 

Keith