Can I Change Large Bills on European Cruise?

[cynbar]

I'll be cruising the British Isles on Caribbean Princess in May. Can I go to Guest Services and get change for large bills I have for euros or British pounds? I'm not talking about converting USD to foreign currency, I'm talking about getting smaller bills in the same currency for onboard tips or whatever. For some reason, I can't seem to find this answered anywhere.

[kb4683]

Last year on Island Princess, I asked if I could break a 50 Euro into smaller bills and was told they only keep USD at Guest Relations.

[Essiesmom]

If you are sailing in Europe, yes, because they will also change dollars for euros at that desk (at an extortionate rate). EM

[idahospud]

If you are sailing in Europe, yes, because they will also change dollars for euros at that desk (at an extortionate rate). EM

 

Last week they directed us to the currency exchange machine nearby for that.

[Gwendy]

There are auto exchange machines on board. Currency changes according to next port. Generally you put your US $ in and get local currency for next port. Exchange rates are not flash but as you usually only want petty cash for the day it is not a major issue.

I generally change money before I leave home, then I have ready cash when we get off the ship.

[Dietemann]

I'll be cruising the British Isles on Caribbean Princess in May. Can I go to Guest Services and get change for large bills I have for euros or British pounds? I'm not talking about converting USD to foreign currency, I'm talking about getting smaller bills in the same currency for onboard tips or whatever. For some reason, I can't seem to find this answered anywhere.

On board currency is US$, so perfectly fine to tip in $.

To exchange large euro or GBP bills to smaller, your best bet would be a bank on shore.

[cruisequeen4ever]

Use the Currency Exchange Machine onboard. On the Regal, it was hidden on a low deck, maybe 4.

 

 

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[berlingo]

I agree that tipping on board in dollars is the best idea.

 

The largest sterling bank note is £50. These do not tend be used on a daily basis and can therefore be viewed with suspicion. The next largest notes are £20 and these are accepted everywhere. All businesses however small will give you change for a £20 note.

 

Please be aware euros are not legal tender in the UK.

[Kenswing]

I think a lot of you are missing the point. She wants to break down larger Euros and GBP's, most likely 50's that she got from her bank into smaller denominations because she's heard how hard it is to use the larger bills at some places on shore.

 

I'm in the same boat (literally and figuratively :D ) as she is. When I went to my bank I got mostly 50's in GBP's and all 50's in Euros.

 

All she is asking is if she can go to Passenger Services and get change. She doesn't need currency exchange machines.

[IECalCruiser]

I think a lot of you are missing the point. She wants to break down larger Euros and GBP's, most likely 50's that she got from her bank into smaller denominations because she's heard how hard it is to use the larger bills at some places on shore.

 

 

 

I'm in the same boat (literally and figuratively :D ) as she is. When I went to my bank I got mostly 50's in GBP's and all 50's in Euros.

 

 

 

All she is asking is if she can go to Passenger Services and get change. She doesn't need currency exchange machines.

Why don't you just get the smaller bills from your bank before you leave?

[idahospud]

Only US currency at passenger services desk. There in no place on the ship to break currency of other denominations.

[Kenswing]

Why don't you just get the smaller bills from your bank before you leave?

Laziness.. :D As it is I had to order foreign currency since I live out here in the sticks. I don't want to have to wait for smaller bills to come in..

 

Plus I leave on Tuesday.. :D

Edited April 30, 2016 by Kenswing

[jenng1976]

We are planning to visit the casino in Southampton to exchange larger bills into smaller denominations. It remains to be seen whether we will be able to resist the lure of playing the machines while we're there!

[wheezedr]

Princess will only have USD at PSD. I would suggest somewhere in the airport on arrival such as the local convenience store or even the bank as you are not trying to do an exchange.

 

 

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[easyboy]

I'll be cruising the British Isles on Caribbean Princess in May. Can I go to Guest Services and get change for large bills I have for euros or British pounds? I'm not talking about converting USD to foreign currency, I'm talking about getting smaller bills in the same currency for onboard tips or whatever. For some reason, I can't seem to find this answered anywhere.

I change my USD for small bills for tipping at the casino window. Not sure if they have other foreign currency but probably will if they have from players on board.

[idahospud]

I change my USD for small bills for tipping at the casino window. Not sure if they have other foreign currency but probably will if they have from players on board.

 

I believe slots and table games only take US currency or the charge to the cruise card. Those from other countries have to charge funds against their cruise cards so no foreign currency there either.

[easyboy]

I believe slots and table games only take US currency or the charge to the cruise card. Those from other countries have to charge funds against their cruise cards so no foreign currency there either.

Oh I see. Thanks.

[IECalCruiser]

Laziness.. :D As it is I had to order foreign currency since I live out here in the sticks. I don't want to have to wait for smaller bills to come in..

 

 

 

Plus I leave on Tuesday.. :D

That puts a different light on things [emoji848] We only bring enough local currency to pay for transportation from the airport if required. We get any other foreign currency from local bank ATMs with an ATM card that charges no transaction fees or currency exchange fees. We essentially get our local currency for a fraction of a percent over the interbank rate.