? about how to pay for items onboard and at our ports

[pocketsofposies]

Hi All,

 

I will be sailing the Epic on the 19th. Our itinerary for that week is Cozumel, Costa Maya and Roatan. I have never been out of the country and I have recently read about foreign transaction fees when one used a credit or debit card.

What do you recommend we bring for money? Can I buy a visa gift card and load that with $? Do you use travellers cheques? Do you bring cash only? Can I get cash on the ship if I need to?

I am usually a debit card girl but it doesn't look like that would be a good idea out of the country.... thoughts? TIA!:)

[newmexicoNita]

Hi All,

 

I will be sailing the Epic on the 19th. Our itinerary for that week is Cozumel, Costa Maya and Roatan. I have never been out of the country and I have recently read about foreign transaction fees when one used a credit or debit card.

What do you recommend we bring for money? Can I buy a visa gift card and load that with $? Do you use travellers cheques? Do you bring cash only? Can I get cash on the ship if I need to?

I am usually a debit card girl but it doesn't look like that would be a good idea out of the country.... thoughts? TIA!:)

 

you can get cash on the ship and it will be added to your account. The best way to do this, at least for us, has always been from the casino. Let me pretty much assure you the ports you are going to will take almost any kind of money and/or credit cards and no hidden charges. Many will require cash for the tours. I know they all do in Roatan and I think the same in Costa maya unless you pay ahead of time. If you use travelers checks you can cash them at the reception desk prior to going on land.

 

Nita

[jdvmd]

The ship will have an ATM if you need additional $$$$. I think the fee is $5.

 

Otherwise, just take cash. I don't believe a debit card will work. We usually use a credit card but many stores/businesses will not accept.

[uppitycats]

Hi All,

 

I will be sailing the Epic on the 19th. Our itinerary for that week is Cozumel, Costa Maya and Roatan. I have never been out of the country and I have recently read about foreign transaction fees when one used a credit or debit card.

What do you recommend we bring for money? Can I buy a visa gift card and load that with $? Do you use travellers cheques? Do you bring cash only? Can I get cash on the ship if I need to?

I am usually a debit card girl but it doesn't look like that would be a good idea out of the country.... thoughts? TIA!:)

 

Anything you buy on board -- liquor, soft drinks, spa services, stuff in the gift shops -- will be charged to your on-board account, payable at the end of the cruise with your debit card (and no foreign transaction fees).

 

Anything you want in port you can pay for in cash -- US dollars. Many smaller shops won't accept credit cards, and there is a risk of fraud using your debit card. You can get cash on the ship, or ATM's are everywhere.

[MMastell]

you can get cash on the ship and it will be added to your account. The best way to do this, at least for us, has always been from the casino. Let me pretty much assure you the ports you are going to will take almost any kind of money and/or credit cards and no hidden charges. Many will require cash for the tours. I know they all do in Roatan and I think the same in Costa maya unless you pay ahead of time. If you use travelers checks you can cash them at the reception desk prior to going on land.

 

Nita

 

Many credit card companies are charging foreign transaction fees for all purchases. These fees can range from 1% to 5%. The merchant doesn't add the fee the credit card company does.

 

You should check before you go if your credit card adds these fees.

 

Take care,

Mike

[garycarla]

I would not bother with a prepaid card. Just use cash or a credit card. We usually take $2-$3k in cash, or more if we are doing lots of private tours.

[Dayenu]

I brought some small bills, US currency, and if the sailsperson in a gift shop looked trustworthy, I paid with a credit card. So far no "funny" charges on the card.