Help, Euro and US Dollar Question

[larry the lobster]

We are going on a Europe cruise next month. We are leaving out of Barcelona and going mainly to Spain and Italy ports...my question is do we just need to take Euro's as our main form of money. I'm trying to figure out how much US dollars to change to Euro's. Can you spend US dollars in any of the ports? Thank you!!

[irish colleen]

No you cannot spend $$$ in European ports, it's €€ only. After all, you wouldn't expect US stores to take Euro? Or do they?

However you can use your credit cards to our hearts delight! They won't refuse them in Europe!

[mrobstad]

Hey Larry,

I've been fortunate to hook up with three Rome in limo groups thru CC, and they only take euro cash at the end. Based on the advice of other CC members, I'm bringing the RIL amount in separate envelopes for each excursion, plus the incidentls like lunch on the excursions. I know I can get euros at ATMs, but this seems easier. Plus, when I land and need a cab, I don't want to stress over a withdrawal at 8:30 am.......it's what my wrk for me.....

[CruiserBruce]

We are going on a Europe cruise next month. We are leaving out of Barcelona and going mainly to Spain and Italy ports...my question is do we just need to take Euro's as our main form of money. I'm trying to figure out how much US dollars to change to Euro's. Can you spend US dollars in any of the ports? Thank you!!

 

Just spent 25 days in Europe. Wouldn't have thought of trying to spend dollars. Maybe because I don't like being laughed at!!!

 

You are aware that the Euro is stronger and worth more than the dollar? Why would a business take your dollars and then have the expense of exchanging them, when it is really your responsibility?

[kestrel]

You will have to use Euro when you are in Spain or Italy. It is very different from cruising in the Caribbean, where USD is widely accepted or even preferred.

 

Based on my experience, the best way to get Euro is from ATM. I will also suggest that you bring some USD just in case that your ATM card does not work (which does happen to some tourists, including a friend of mine). If that happens, you can exchange cash at a bank.

[Ashland]

Hey Larry,

I've been fortunate to hook up with three Rome in limo groups thru CC, and they only take euro cash at the end. Based on the advice of other CC members, I'm bringing the RIL amount in separate envelopes for each excursion, plus the incidentls like lunch on the excursions. I know I can get euros at ATMs, but this seems easier. Plus, when I land and need a cab, I don't want to stress over a withdrawal at 8:30 am.......it's what my wrk for me.....

I also used RomeInLimo and got travelers checks in Euros to pay for our private tour..an option they suggested..I easily ordered them from my local bank..Just signed them over to our driver at the end of our tour...I also ordered some Euros in small denominations to take with me for our Taxi etc. from BCN to the port..I also didn't want to have to look for an ATM...This worked out easy for us.

[English_in_Spain]

I also used RomeInLimo and got travelers checks in Euros to pay for our private tour..an option they suggested..I easily ordered them from my local bank..Just signed them over to our driver at the end of our tour...I also ordered some Euros in small denominations to take with me for our Taxi etc. from BCN to the port..I also didn't want to have to look for an ATM...This worked out easy for us.

 

I don't know how long ago you were here in Europe but travellers cheques (travelers checks) are not very easy to use or exchange here.

 

I am surprised RomeInLimo accepted them. It is difficult to even find a bank that will cash them.

 

I would not recommend them.

 

[calliopecruiser]

I would recommend only changing enough dollars into Euros to get you from your first airport to your hotel (cab, bus or limo....whatever), then use local ATMs to withdraw Euros - you'll get a better exchange rate that way and not have to carry too much cash through airports, etc. US dollars will be all but useless in Europe.

[CruiserBruce]

I don't know how long ago you were here in Europe but travellers cheques (travelers checks) are not very easy to use or exchange here.

 

I am surprised RomeInLimo accepted them. It is difficult to even find a bank that will cash them.

 

I would not recommend them.

 

 

Rome in Limo recommends them, and accepts them. We had no problem paying Rome in Limo with them.

[larry the lobster]

Can I give Euro's for tipping at the end of the cruise? What about casino, can we exchange Euro's in the casino?

[Travelcat2]

Some tourist places will take dollars but will give a very poor rate of exchange. Rather than wasting your money, I also suggest getting Euros from an ATM. In terms of tipping, you can tip in any currency you have -- no problem.

[Earl Rosebery]

Can I give Euro's for tipping at the end of the cruise? What about casino, can we exchange Euro's in the casino?

 

The crew members will happily accept euros as tips. They would probably accept Russian roubles if that was all you had to give. Money is fungible. The crew come from all over the world-they know perfectly well how and where to exchange any currency you care to use. Casinos are probably different on each line.

[Keith1010]

I would use the ATM to get the Euros and as others have said USA currency is not used in these countries.

 

You could use Euros to tip at the end of the cruise.

 

Keith

[LondonTowner]

I agree with the previous poster who advised aginst travellers cheques. They really are very passe and you will have difficulty changing them.

 

In Europe the currency is the Euro and this is what you will need. You will find the large chain of Spanish department stores called El Corte Ingles will accept most currencies.

 

Also, in Spain when using your CC you need ID in many places, so make sure you have some with you.