Obtaining US Dollars.

[RJHNorthyorks]

Hi

We are making our first trip to the Caribbean shortly. Spending a week in Barbados and then joining Carnival Victory for a week from Barbados.

 

I note from the websites that US Dollars are accepted everywhere but change is often given in local currency but also that cash is frequently needed rather than cards.

WE generally use ATM machines when we travel in Europe and take very little cash. If we use ATMs in the Caribbean is it possible to get US dollars or will we only be able to get the currency of the Island we are visiting.

Any information appreciated. Thanks. Ros

[firefly333]

You will get the currency of the island. Id take cash for the ports or prebook stuff. Bring $1s for tips for shuttles and such. ATM on Carnival will be 3% charge. Id try to get to a bank before you board.

[bertieboop1]

You can also bring Travellers checks and cash them aboard the ship

[DaDivaMom]

On Barbados there are several international banks that can exchange currency for you. They may charge a small service fee. The Royal Bank of Canada happens to be my bank and they have several branches there so it's never an issue for me.

[old sole]

You will get dollars from ATMs in your stops in San Juan and St Thomas.

[KruznKel]

Hi

We are making our first trip to the Caribbean shortly. Spending a week in Barbados and then joining Carnival Victory for a week from Barbados.

 

I note from the websites that US Dollars are accepted everywhere but change is often given in local currency but also that cash is frequently needed rather than cards.

WE generally use ATM machines when we travel in Europe and take very little cash. If we use ATMs in the Caribbean is it possible to get US dollars or will we only be able to get the currency of the Island we are visiting.

Any information appreciated. Thanks. Ros

 

I would suggest getting travellers cheques.. they have them in the UK dont they?? that way you can cash them onboard the ship and only walk around with the amount of cash you want..

[Kitt Lady]

We just got off of the Victory on Sunday. US dollars are accepted on all the islands - We used them. You will be able to exchange in San Juan but depending on what airport you go through. They may be some currency exchange shops. I noticed a few in the Washington DC airport.

[Kitt Lady]

We just got off of the Victory on Sunday. US dollars are accepted on all the islands - We used them. You will be able to exchange in San Juan but depending on what airport you go through. They may be some currency exchange shops. I noticed a few in the Washington DC airport.

[thinfool]

I would suggest getting travellers cheques..

 

Travelers che(ck)[ques] will work, but I am thinking that there will be a hefty conversion fee onboard the Victory.

 

Check to see if there are UK banks in Barbados (I am guessing - yes). That could be a good place to cash travelers cheques into US$$ as there are thousands of US cruise travelers who spend US$$ in Barbados every year.

 

Lastly, you should be able to get an accurate answer from the booking agency that you used in the UK...unless of course, you used a US based TA. ;):)

[Will&Hel]

Hi

We are making our first trip to the Caribbean shortly. Spending a week in Barbados and then joining Carnival Victory for a week from Barbados.

 

I note from the websites that US Dollars are accepted everywhere but change is often given in local currency but also that cash is frequently needed rather than cards.

WE generally use ATM machines when we travel in Europe and take very little cash. If we use ATMs in the Caribbean is it possible to get US dollars or will we only be able to get the currency of the Island we are visiting.

Any information appreciated. Thanks. Ros

 

Try info on this link for getting cash in the casino without paying the service charge for carnivals ATM:

 

http://cruiseforums.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1196414

 

We use Dollar Cards such as CaxtonFx for travelling in the US and Carib- just loaded mine tonight at $1.60 for trip next month

[zqvol]

You will get the currency of the island. Id take cash for the ports or prebook stuff. Bring $1s for tips for shuttles and such. ATM on Carnival will be 3% charge. Id try to get to a bank before you board.

 

 

This is not true. Most ATMS in the Caribbean will give you an option of US dollars. Why do you insist on giving bad information. In almost 20 cruises the only place I have ever gotten local currency was when I got Euros in Europe. The Caribbean always deals in dollars.