Should I exchange money at bank or when I get there?

[Canclan]

I'm leaving next week for Venice and was wondering if it's just as easy to exchange my dollars for euros in port? Should I just go to my bank tomorrow and order? Can I do it on the ship?

[SadieN]

We get cash from ATMs (bancamats) in port.

 

Make sure your card is set up to use a four digit pin and let the company know you are going.

[Canclan]

Never mind. I saw someone else asked the same question. I'll go to the bank tomorrow.

[Canclan]

We get cash from ATMs (bancamats) in port.

 

Make sure your card is set up to use a four digit pin and let the company know you are going.

 

Thanks Sadie! I'll let them know tomorrow.

[kicia]

The worst place to change money is on the ship. They are not a bank and will charge very high rates. There are ATMs everywhere. I would get a small amount just to get me started and then use the ATM.

[gtalum]

The best way to get foreign currency is from an ATM once you arrive in-country. Every other way you get killed by transaction fees and bad exchange rates.

[CatlinSTJ]

The ATMs were easy to locate and use throughout most of Europe - and much cheaper than exchanging at a bank. Do check you bank and credit card issuers for their terms as they can vary greatly! If I remember correctly, the daily transaction limit was about €200 - 250 per day. Keep in mind as well that you most likely will not be able to check your balance from overseas ATMs, so keep track of your spending as it can take a bit of time to hit your bank back home in comparison.

[rlkubi]

I agree with others here. We were in Rome a few years ago and I brought my ATM card and Capital One credit card. My friends brought cash and had to exchange and the fees were expensive. A lot better to use ATM. We also got a Capital One credit card because they don't charge international transaction fees.

 

Have fun!