MamaParrotHead Posted November 20, 2004 #1 Share Posted November 20, 2004 how do we get local currency for excursions/shopping and such? going to nassau, st. maarten, st. thomas. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cruisenfever Posted November 20, 2004 #2 Share Posted November 20, 2004 You can use USD on the islands, or just use a credit card. St. Thomas is part of the US Virgin Islands and they just love it when cruise ships come into port and they see all of those $$$$$$ signs disembarking the ship!! **************** Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
98Charlie Posted November 20, 2004 #3 Share Posted November 20, 2004 US dollars are generally accepted at all the Caribbean we have visited (haven't been to the Bahamas). St Thomas for sure since they are part of the US Virgin Islands and the dollar is their local currency. :D You may find it beneficial to know the exchange rate. If you do the math it can help you barter down the price. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andee Posted November 20, 2004 #4 Share Posted November 20, 2004 We stop at an ATM for some walking around money. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
super_grover Posted November 20, 2004 #5 Share Posted November 20, 2004 If you are going to be into some heavy duty conversions a little currency calculator can be invaluable. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nitemare Posted November 20, 2004 #6 Share Posted November 20, 2004 You can also exchange onboard, although you'll often get a lousy rate. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lougee1043 Posted November 20, 2004 #7 Share Posted November 20, 2004 http://www.oanda.com/convert/cheatsheet here is your cheat sheet Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CaptData Posted November 20, 2004 #8 Share Posted November 20, 2004 Use US dollars. Bring small bills as sometimes they will give you their change. As above St Thomas is using US dollars. You can ask at the desk what the exchange rate is for that week. Then calulate before you go if you want. CC are excepted on most purchases except the little street vendors. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Host Walt Posted November 21, 2004 #9 Share Posted November 21, 2004 Go with small $US bills. In some cases you may get change in local currency so you want to pay as close to the posted $US price as you can. If you expect to spend a lot, be sure to use credit cards rather than cash so you can protest a charge later if you have issues with your purchase. A hint - Call the customer service 800 number on your credit card before you leave and do two things: 1. Find out what their conversion policy is. Some cards add 4% to the conversion rate and other add nothing. (My Amex card adds 2% to the interbank rate on the day the transaction is posted. 2. Advise them of your travel plans. Most credit card companies track spending patterns and may decline charges from unusual (for you) locations if they cannot contact you at your home number. By advising them ahead of your trip, you can be sure the charge will be accepted. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kitty9 Posted November 21, 2004 #10 Share Posted November 21, 2004 Don't bother with exchanging currency for Caribbean or Mexico cruises. For European or Asian cruises, yes, you have to use local money, but for anything in the islands, it's just not worth the hassle as all the islands take US dollars. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
springtxbill Posted November 22, 2004 #11 Share Posted November 22, 2004 Go US in small denominations.:) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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