foreign currency

[travellover3]

I'm preparing for a full-transit Panama Canal trip and wonder if one needs to have currency for each of the countries visited on that trip. The stops are for only a few hours, but if you want to buy local crafts, is it advisable to exchange $ before you leave the U.S. or try to find an ATM while at each stop? I'm under the impression that most local craftspersons would not take a credit card, and I think the $ is still more favorable than most Central American country's values. If you pay in U.S.$ will you have to take change in their currency? What do PC cruisers typically do?

 

Thanks for your insights!

[fllady]

We always just use American money. Some places will give you back in their country's money, but usually never a problem.

[vjblk]

We found that most places will take US dollars. Just make sure to have small bills as you might get change back in the local currency. We always charged when we could but for smaller purchases just used US dollars.

[ssantow]

Most ports of call on a Transcanal cruise will deal in US Dollars. These shops are used to dealing with US Cruise passengers and used to US prices. It is a good idea to ask if the prices marked are US or local currency. It is also a good idea to know an approxamate exchange rate. You can ask the shopping expert on your cruise about that. They usually have one or more shopping talks onboard.

[travellover3]

Thanks so much for the feedback.

 

Phyllis

[cb at sea]

They ALL take our money--just don't try to buy a $3.00 item with a $100.00 bill! Try to take ashore $10's and $20's, so you'll get american money back in change!