Can I get $US notes on board Infinity?

[HDS]

Sailing from Valparaiso on Infinity in March. I have noted tour operators and merchants in ports prefer payment in US dollars.

 

Does Infinity have ATMs dispensing US dollars? Any other facilities for getting US dollars?

 

We are Australians, travelling in Argentina, Antarctica and Chile before the cruise. We can bring US dollars from Australia but not keen to carry large amounts of cash throughout the land portion of our trip in South America.

[cruisestitch]

You can get U S dollars from the on board ATM, with a fee per transaction of around six dollars. You can also withdraw dollars from the casino for a 3% fee and this will go on your shipboard account which you will settle with your credit card at the end of the cruise.

[4774Papa]

Sailing from Valparaiso on Infinity in March. I have noted tour operators and merchants in ports prefer payment in US dollars.

 

Does Infinity have ATMs dispensing US dollars? Any other facilities for getting US dollars?

 

We are Australians, travelling in Argentina, Antarctica and Chile before the cruise. We can bring US dollars from Australia but not keen to carry large amounts of cash throughout the land portion of our trip in South America.

Yes, but make sure the bills are newer and have not tears or marks. South Americans won't take bills that are old, torn or marketed.

[Project_gal]

If you are passing through an airport prior to boarding, you may be better to buy some dollars there - or, rather, check what it would cost and then buy if they are better value than on board.

 

It is likely that you will have to "triangulate" - ie. theoretially buy the local currency and then buy US$ using the local currency. The ATM and casino on board are expensive options but the land-based option may also be.

 

Having to use US$ outside the US is a real nuisance for those of us who are not from the US. However, I have found out, in the past, that tour operators in those countries often quote US$ because they assume that their guests want to pay that way. If you ask, they may actually prefer local currency. It is worth asking.

Sue

[4774Papa]

If you are passing through an airport prior to boarding, you may be better to buy some dollars there - or, rather, check what it would cost and then buy if they are better value than on board.

 

It is likely that you will have to "triangulate" - ie. theoretially buy the local currency and then buy US$ using the local currency. The ATM and casino on board are expensive options but the land-based option may also be.

 

Having to use US$ outside the US is a real nuisance for those of us who are not from the US. However, I have found out, in the past, that tour operators in those countries often quote US$ because they assume that their guests want to pay that way. If you ask, they may actually prefer local currency. It is worth asking.

 

Sue

When I used the X ATM on board there was a fee for using the ATM, but there was not a foreign transaction fee.

[HDS]

Thank you all for your responses and suggestions.

 

If a guide refuses to take local currency, I know we have another option.

 

Deb