Aussie $$ to USA $$ in Sydney

[Discodaisy]

I would like to have about $50 USA as just in case money on Radiance. I shouldn't need anymore as we have pre paid tips and only visiting Australian ports. TA will only exchange $250 and post office $200. Does anyone have any suggestions

[Aus Traveller]

I would like to have about $50 USA as just in case money on Radiance. I shouldn't need anymore as we have pre paid tips and only visiting Australian ports. TA will only exchange $250 and post office $200. Does anyone have any suggestions

 

It isn't economic to exchange such a small amount at a bank because there is a fee (usually $8 - $15) and of course you don't get the exchange rate you hear quoted on the news.

 

You mention that you have pre-paid tips and your cruise is to all-Australian ports. Why do you need any US currency? Wouldn't it be simpler to just register your credit card for all on-board expenses? Make sure you specify that you bank is to do the currency conversion, not the cruiseline.

[pattle66]

We will be travelling on Radiance next year in Australia but I wasn't intending to take any US$ with me. The ship is cashless and we use our credit card for the on board account. Am I missing something? I thought I would pay any extra tips (we per-pay) in Aussie dollars. :confused:

 

Are you on your cruises roll call. Maybe you can arrange to exchange with a US passenger. They will need the $AU for port stops. Maybe worth a try.

[Discodaisy]

I thought it was expected that we tip the room service delivery staff each time, and have read they prefer US$

[fishtaco]

We will be travelling on Radiance next year in Australia but I wasn't intending to take any US$ with me. The ship is cashless and we use our credit card for the on board account. Am I missing something? I thought I would pay any extra tips (we per-pay) in Aussie dollars. :confused:

 

Are you on your cruises roll call. Maybe you can arrange to exchange with a US passenger. They will need the $AU for port stops. Maybe worth a try.

 

US Dollars Cash looks and smells like "real" money:D

 

Its so worth it for the OP to even pay AMEX exchange rate prices to have the feel/smell of real money:D

 

I just changed up another $1000 into US$,s at the post office:)

 

OP "do" change some money into US $1-$5 notes for extra tips and I guarantee you will get towel animals every night:D

 

 

Den

[musicorn]

We have tipped in AUS$. Let's face it they will be in Aussie ports and our dollar is worth more anyway.

 

I use a 29 degrees card and tip in what ever currency I have.

[Debsta]

I would like to have about $50 USA as just in case money on Radiance. I shouldn't need anymore as we have pre paid tips and only visiting Australian ports. TA will only exchange $250 and post office $200. Does anyone have any suggestions

 

Go to the casino and get $50 cash out (which will be in USD). They'll convert at whatever the rate is. When I was on the Radiance last week they were quoting pretty much 1 for 1. There's a 3% surcharge which is minimal. They can give it to you in small notes if you want to tip for other services.

 

Easy peasy :D

[6andy6]

We have tipped in AUS$. Let's face it they will be in Aussie ports and our dollar is worth more anyway.

 

I use a 29 degrees card and tip in what ever currency I have.

 

But let's also face it. They don't often get time off in port and the reason they are earning money is mainly to send back to families....and despite what Australians may think of the strength of their currency a greenback in the hand in some remote village in these third world countries is more valuable than Aussie funny money. I'm tipping as a reward that i assume will be of use and value and don't tip to just get rid of 'whatever currency I have' as a means of making room in my wallet.

 

I have done the same..converted a small amount into single US$1 bills for room service tips and the like. And lets also face it....giving room service a tip in a single coin just doesn't cut it often ( and you can't send coins back as no bank converts foreign coins- only notes).

 

To the OP...I know in Melburne CBD where it i got mine they are small booths run by unknown currency exchange companies that usually give not only much better rates than the banks but also do not charge commission. I use those ( but I live in the inner burbs anyway so its easier for me).

 

I'm not sure where your located in NSW but I am sure Sydney CBD has the same things.

[bazzaw]

The cost of obtaining $50 USD is so small that, if you want to do it, just do it. Go to your nearest Commonwealth Bank and ask them for $50US.

 

EDIT -- as of this morning $50 US will cost you $57.77AUD ( which includes an $8AUD fee - that cost being less than the cost of one glass of wine while onboard :))

 

Sometimes I just can't believe some of the things that I read in these Forums.

 

Barry

[Sutho]

I thought it was expected that we tip the room service delivery staff each time, and have read they prefer US$

 

Dont bother they do not expect it and it is not compulsary. That is just idiotic getting cash exclusively for that purpose. Just prepay gratuities or leave the auto deductions in place and it will all be fine. I have never heard of anything more stupid that handing over cash to someone bringing anything to your room. It seems to be lots of people who think this despite the fact that they get their pay from the tip pool supposedly.

[tillydog]

I would like to have about $50 USA as just in case money on Radiance. I shouldn't need anymore as we have pre paid tips and only visiting Australian ports. TA will only exchange $250 and post office $200. Does anyone have any suggestions

 

How long is your cruise?

Hubby and I did our first ever cruise on Rhapsody last year, was a 3 night cruise to nowhere. However, even for 3 nights, no way would US$50 have been sufficiant.

You have to allow for buying drinks, maybe eating at a speciality restaraunt or 2 and duty-free shopping etc.

[rkmw]

How long is your cruise?

Hubby and I did our first ever cruise on Rhapsody last year, was a 3 night cruise to nowhere. However, even for 3 nights, no way would US$50 have been sufficiant.

You have to allow for buying drinks, maybe eating at a speciality restaraunt or 2 and duty-free shopping etc.

 

anything you buy on the ship goes on your cruise card and you pay the bill at the end of the cruise....what the OP means is tipping extra but if you have pre paid your tips you dont have to give extra but the staff will take it off you if you give it to them

[Ned49]

We always tip room service, and if you want to play the pokies you need cash. I begrudge giving them an extra 3% to get money off your seacard. They make enough money of us. There are some ATM machines around the place where you can get foriegn money, there is one in Adelaide so I am sure the other citys would have them, not sure if there is a charge though I have never used them.

[rkmw]

We always tip room service, and if you want to play the pokies you need cash. I begrudge giving them an extra 3% to get money off your seacard. They make enough money of us. There are some ATM machines around the place where you can get foriegn money, there is one in Adelaide so I am sure the other citys would have them, not sure if there is a charge though I have never used them.

 

you can get some foreign cash from Aus Post but the smallest amount is $200 and you can have it in 24 hours, if you have any USD over it can come off your bill

[Billy and Charlie's Mum]

you can get some foreign cash from Aus Post but the smallest amount is $200 and you can have it in 24 hours, if you have any USD over it can come off your bill

 

That's what I would do... :)

[Cassicruiser]

Dont bother they do not expect it and it is not compulsary. That is just idiotic getting cash exclusively for that purpose. Just prepay gratuities or leave the auto deductions in place and it will all be fine. I have never heard of anything more stupid that handing over cash to someone bringing anything to your room. It seems to be lots of people who think this despite the fact that they get their pay from the tip pool supposedly.

 

Actually on an American ship it is expected that you tip room service as they are not included in the pooled tips at the end of the cruise. They work very hard and earn very little and rely on their tips to make a living.

 

Either US or Aus $ would be appreciated and a $3 tip will set you back a whole $15 on the cost of your cruise if you get room service 5 times. For a coffee order $1 is fine, for a breakfast or snack order I would give $3. But I would never dream of shutting the door in their faces and giving nothing.

[NSWP]

Dont bother they do not expect it and it is not compulsary. That is just idiotic getting cash exclusively for that purpose. Just prepay gratuities or leave the auto deductions in place and it will all be fine. I have never heard of anything more stupid that handing over cash to someone bringing anything to your room. It seems to be lots of people who think this despite the fact that they get their pay from the tip pool supposedly.

Sutho, as you would know as an experienced cruiser, it is common for the Americans to leave their auto tips on, pay who they want extra cash and tip room service. They talk about it often on the RCI, Princess, Celebrity boards etc. I have been on many American ships (Princess) and seen them tip left, right and centre.

 

I believe in tipping but not everything as above, over the top in my opinion.

 

But why give them USD? The ships, i.e. Millenium, Solstice and VOS etc are here for the season, give them good old AUD, they will spend it or convert it themselves. I am taking plenty of NZD on Solstice, Sydney to Auckland, I reckon the crew will take NZD too. They will take anything, believe me.

[The_Big_M]

But let's also face it. They don't often get time off in port and the reason they are earning money is mainly to send back to families....and despite what Australians may think of the strength of their currency a greenback in the hand in some remote village in these third world countries is more valuable than Aussie funny money. I'm tipping as a reward that i assume will be of use and value and don't tip to just get rid of 'whatever currency I have' as a means of making room in my wallet.

 

I agree with you on this.

 

As for the currency exchange, currency booths are in the cities where you can exchange a smaller amount, as well as banks (though the problem is not all bank branches have cash, or the denominations you want). However, once onboard you can exchange cash at reception or casino if you need different denominations, and Debsta's suggestion about the casino withdrawal is a good one.

[The_Big_M]

I am taking plenty of NZD on Solstice, Sydney to Auckland, I reckon the crew will take NZD too. They will take anything, believe me.

 

Of course they're not going to throw it back in your face if you give them some FJD, or VUV. But that's also not going to be as nice a gift as if you give them what's convenient, exchangeable, and the currency of their account onboard.

 

It all depends why you're giving it I guess. If you're just getting rid of it because it's convenient for you then sure, they'll probably accept it. But if you're actually giving it as a bonus for the good service, why not give it in the form which it would be most appreciated.

[6andy6]

Actually on an American ship it is expected that you tip room service as they are not included in the pooled tips at the end of the cruise. They work very hard and earn very little and rely on their tips to make a living.

 

Either US or Aus $ would be appreciated and a $3 tip will set you back a whole $15 on the cost of your cruise if you get room service 5 times. For a coffee order $1 is fine, for a breakfast or snack order I would give $3. But I would never dream of shutting the door in their faces and giving nothing.

 

See this is what concerns me.

 

People that set their own agenda and thereby get into a bidding war n tipping driving up prices and expectations.

 

Even on the US boards $1 or $2 is the norm......$3 is not. $3 is the exception. Next it will be $4 cos someone wants to big note themselves, then $5 or going to the toilet and tipping someone for mopping the floor.

[MIAN]

why not give it in the form which it would be most appreciated.

 

For this to happen i suggest you find out which country they live in and source that currency.

[Cassicruiser]

See this is what concerns me.

 

People that set their own agenda and thereby get into a bidding war n tipping driving up prices and expectations.

 

Even on the US boards $1 or $2 is the norm......$3 is not. $3 is the exception. Next it will be $4 cos someone wants to big note themselves, then $5 or going to the toilet and tipping someone for mopping the floor.

I agree with this - I am just saying what I would give, a dollar or 2 is fine. I am just disputing the view of the poster who stated that he has "never heard anything more stupid than handing over cash to someone bringing something to your room" and "don't bother they do not expect it." That is his opinion, sure, but I think certainly, thank goodness, not the opinion of most people on this board.

 

My view is - we are having a fabulous holiday in incredible luxury, catered to by people from third world countries who would never in their wildest dreams be able to be a cruise passenger, and I am more than happy to show appreciation for them serving me. Most of our hard earned dollars go to the cruise lines, and keeping it running, very little goes to the servers, crew etc.

[rkmw]

why not give it in the form which it would be most appreciated.

 

For this to happen i suggest you find out which country they live in and source that currency.

 

as been said if they are on a US ship they will take USD or even AUD whilst in our waters

[itsadoozy]

In the Australian cruise season I will have Aus $ for any tips. The crew would be very unlikely to keep a stash of cash to take home at then end of their contract; they 'send' it home by transfer not as cash (seen crew at Port Hedland doing this).

[bobhsv]

All the crew get time off to visit the ports at various times during the cruising season. They need some local currency ie be it aussie or nz dollars, dependant on the cruise. Hence, I don't feel you need to get US$ at all. We have also given our cabin stewards a $20 or so prepaid intl phone card, as they love to ring home.