Dollar bills - UK

[leehal]

I am UK based and need to order some US Dollars to use on board for tips etc.

 

Does anyone know any foreign exchange companies where you can request $1 bills rather than a mixture?

[john_galt]

Most tipping is done by adding a tip on the bill for whatever it is you just received. For the room steward (and butler), I prepay the gratuities. However, I always bring some $20's to add to the tips for the room steward (and butler/concierge). We eat all meals in the room so we are 'high maintenance' for the butler. I always give him something extra.

 

I get the impression the cruise lines aren't keen on cash tips.

[upwarduk]

I always pre order, at the best rate offered on the day.

Usually, it's between the bank, Post office or M&S.

You can state how you want your money.

Of course the better rate is offered for larger amounts.

[Bobal]

Just go to Guest Relations when you board and they will change larger bills into dollar bills.

[woozlebear]

I was able to order whatever denominations I wanted at both Lloyds and Natwest

 

 

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[Project_gal]

I am UK based and need to order some US Dollars to use on board for tips etc.

 

Does anyone know any foreign exchange companies where you can request $1 bills rather than a mixture?

 

We always order 100 x US$1 notes from Travelex at Tesco. I think they are pleased to get rid of them. We order in advance and they seal 100 notes in plastic ready for when we collect.

 

If you have time before you travel, try to buy your currency when they have an offer. They give you vouchers for £5 off groceries:)

[harz99]

I'd go for a Tesco Travel Shop as well. Just take note of the ID required.

[excitedofharpenden]

I wouldn't worry about a lot of small denominations before you go. There's no problem getting them changed into smaller denominations at Guest Relations as Bopal says or the casino when it's open. Saves carrying a think bundle of notes when you are travelling too. I usually have a few smaller notes to deal with eventualities before I get on the ship for taxis, porters etc.

 

Phil

[john watson]

I am UK based and need to order some US Dollars to use on board for tips etc.

 

Does anyone know any foreign exchange companies where you can request $1 bills rather than a mixture?

 

You can go in to Post Office Thomas Cook etc. and generally get US$ if you pay cash without much fuss about id on small totals. Why not make an informal inquiry for singles when in the high street when you are there, it is not a popular denomination?

 

regards John

[wendychloecruiser]

Ace-FX usually have the best rates. Whatever you do, DON'T exchange money in the airport.

[buchananglasgow]

we always preorder and hundred or so of $1 bills, from whoever we have chosen to buy our currency from. Usually Thomas Cook , M&S, or the bank or post office. We always take one, fives, and ten, a few twentys but nothing in higher notes than that.

[suekay]

I get ours at a High St "loan shop". Better rates than other outlets and can request as many $1 bills as I want

[ghstudio]

The ship essentially charges 5% which is built into the rate. I'm not sure the effort of getting the $'s before leaving home is worth the cost and effort of trying to get the $'s before leaving home unless you need $'s before you get to the ship.

[shoreham01]

Tesco for us. Never had a problem ordering a few dollar bills amongst the others.

[navybankerteacher]

It's a bulky nuisance carrying a lot of ones - pursers desk or casino gladly give ones for larger denominations.

[Happy Cruiser 6143]

Most tipping is done by adding a tip on the bill for whatever it is you just received. For the room steward (and butler), I prepay the gratuities. However, I always bring some $20's to add to the tips for the room steward (and butler/concierge). We eat all meals in the room so we are 'high maintenance' for the butler. I always give him something extra.

 

I get the impression the cruise lines aren't keen on cash tips.

 

Who knows or cares whether or not the cruise line is keen on cash tips. I can assure you that the staff is and that this makes up a good portion of their income.

 

[MR_T]

We did the same on our first cruise and to be honest we ended up bringing most back with us and we really didn't feel the need to tip every time... If we found a good bar person we ended up tipping a $5/$10 from time to time! And only gave extra tips at dinner in the speciality restaurants... Like $10... You will be paying an 18% tip/gratuity on every drink you have to start with! [emoji483][emoji41]

[MR_T]

If you do decide on taking small bills we found tesco's to be not only a decent rate but they normally have a good selection of notes available.. If there's one near you of course!!

[downsmead]

At Sainsburys, you can also order notes in any denominations according to your wishes. You just say want you want when you order the foreign currency.

[wendychloecruiser]

At Sainsburys, you can also order notes in any denominations according to your wishes. You just say want you want when you order the foreign currency.

 

Nectar points too!

[RedVelvetEverytime]

Sainsburys has always been very good for any denominations and different currencies, just give them a call in advance incase they don't have enough. Not only do you get nectar points you get a discount for having a nectar card too!

[neverbeenhere]

If you have a few US dollars left at the end of your cruise, please forward them to me at: **** xxth *#*###%, && *#$@%. Thank you in advance. ;)

[bluebelle]

Travelex is usually best provided you order and pay in advance otherwise the rate is poor. Look out for happy hours as well. MSE usually alerts you to when they are happening. We use them for tipping when ordering breakfast in cabin.

[DYKWIA]

I just pick the cheapest FCA authorised dealer from Money Saving Expert.com - the "who's best" seems to change fairly frequently.

 

Also, we were on a cruise ex Southampton on the Eclipse and were told that crew would take Sterling or Euros in tips

Edited March 30, 2015 by DYKWIA

[LabGuy64]

just out of curiosity...whay does anyone need a large number of ones?

 

except for strip clubs...lol