Foreign currencies?

[MrPantsOz]

I'm booked to do my first cruise next April, the Roundtrip Panama Canal with Princess. My question is (or maybe the first of many questions) do I need local currencies for the ports we visit or do most places accept USD or should I just stick with paying with my credit card? I'd probably be only looking at a few souvenirs/postcards etc, maybe a bit of lunch. Do I need to change some money before I leave home?

[Cuizer2]

I'm booked to do my first cruise next April, the Roundtrip Panama Canal with Princess. My question is (or maybe the first of many questions) do I need local currencies for the ports we visit or do most places accept USD or should I just stick with paying with my credit card? I'd probably be only looking at a few souvenirs/postcards etc, maybe a bit of lunch. Do I need to change some money before I leave home?

 

I've done several cruises in the Caribbean, including a full transit of the Panama Canal. I have never had any trouble using US dollars in Mexico, Columbia or any of the islands in the Caribbean.

 

I've also used credit cards. However, be careful. I agreed to pay $40 for two belts in Mexico. The store owner rang up the charge in the local currency. When I got the bill from the bank it was for $44.

Edited September 27, 2014 by Cuizer2

[thinfool]

I'm booked to do my first cruise next April, the Roundtrip Panama Canal with Princess. My question is (or maybe the first of many questions) do I need local currencies for the ports we visit or do most places accept USD or should I just stick with paying with my credit card? I'd probably be only looking at a few souvenirs/postcards etc, maybe a bit of lunch. Do I need to change some money before I leave home?

 

The USD is accepted readily all across the Caribbean. The official currency of Panama is the USD.

[dancinman66]

Only panama really would want local currency

Most take US dollars

 

 

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[MrPantsOz]

Thanks very much. It's good to hear from people who have been to these places. I'll stick with USD.:)

[Pablo ferretta]

My friend using the dollar is possible in all the ports you will visit, stay sometimes for small purchases, it may be that the seller does not make you money if you plan to make small purchases, you have the currency exchange available in each port.;)

[paul929207]

Be sure you have lots of small bills so you can give the vendor the exact amount. Some will give you local currency as change

[cb at sea]

"The ship will break down larger bills for you, so you don't have to travel with wads of smaller denominations!

[Marie51]

Thanks very much. It's good to hear from people who have been to these places. I'll stick with USD.:)

 

When I did the Panama Canal cruise we didn't actually stop in Panama. There is a full day for going through the canal as it takes several hours. But the ship does not stop and let passengers off. Your cruise may be the same way.

Anyway as the others have said US dollars are welcome everywhere. If you use a credit card there may be a foreign transaction fee...usually 3%.

[cruisead]

Only panama really would want local currency

Most take US dollars

 

 

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Not true. The US dollar is the official currency, along with the Balboa, of Panama. You don't see much of the Balboa at all.

[Pablo ferretta]

Not true. The US dollar is the official currency, along with the Balboa, of Panama. You don't see much of the Balboa at all.

If we advize you my friend to take US dollars it's for your security & changing small amount is the best way to save your money. Good trip:)

[Putterdude]

No need for anything other than USD but keep your denominations under $10, better still $5.

[MrPantsOz]

Thanks again. Your info has been most helpful.:)

[Cuizer2]

"The ship will break down larger bills for you, so you don't have to travel with wads of smaller denominations!

 

Does the ship use scissors to do this?

[Cuizer2]

No need for anything other than USD but keep your denominations under $10, better still $5.

 

What about under the pillow? :confused:

[Harry and Lucille]

We always check before we travel. You talk about Panama. Only stop ?

 

When on Roatan, a vender wanted to sell me an antique Honduran $20 Lempura coin for only $5 US.

 

Hummm. At that time, a lempura was worth $0.05 cents. Lets see now. 20 X 5 equals. $1.00 US. If I buy it, bring it back to the US, take it to the bank? Wonder what they would give me for it.

 

http://money.cnn.com/data/currencies/

 

Just a thought here.

[LHT28]

If you use a credit card there may be a foreign transaction fee...usually 3%.

 

Depends on your credit card ...some have no FTF

shop around for one if you travel a lot

[MrPantsOz]

My credit card is as Australian as I am. There will be fees. I'll be going the USD in small notes wherever possible. Thanks.