Currency on South Pacific Cruise

[Beo67]

We will be on the Celebrity Solstice for a South Pacific Cruise in January and then a b2b on a New Zealand 12 day. My question, I have New Zealand/Australian and American funds....how easy is it to get CFP Franc currency on the cruise. I was thinking I will not need much just tipping on the excursions? If anyone can provide feedback it would be appreciated.

[xxpinksaltxx]

We stopped in the South Pacific islands in 2015 on the Solstice. We took over some local currency that we exchanged at travelex. Think I only changed over AUD $100 and didn't spend it all (unless you are after some of the local crafts etc).

 

I noticed alot of vendors and tour operators were also accepting AUD. Unsure about other currencies as we are Australian, so didn't take note. You should also be able to get local currency on the ship, but it will be limited.

 

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[OzKiwiJJ]

Your South Pacific cruise stops at Noumea first. Some of the tourist places there do accept AUD and possibly USD but quite a lot don't. There is an ATM at the Casino supermarket diagonally across the road from the cruise terminal where the shuttle buses drop off. We always get our South Pacific Francs there.

 

The smaller islands will take AUD but it does cost them quite a bit to get it converted and they are very appreciative when you do pay in local currency. I try to get enough local currency to use on the smaller islands as well. Lifou has a small market and some food stalls. The Isle of Pines has a small market, food stalls and a rather nice boutique off to the left shortly after leaving the wharf. It's well signposted.

[Beo67]

Thank you for your reply....will probably go to the supermarket!! I really just wanted to make sure I had enough for tipping as we generally don't shop a huge amount....we have excursion booked at all three places....

[lovedecruise]

"Your South Pacific cruise stops at Noumea first. Some of the tourist places there do accept AUD and possibly USD but quite a lot don't. There is an ATM at the Casino supermarket diagonally across the road from the cruise terminal where the shuttle buses drop off. We always get our South Pacific Francs there"

 

Can you exchange AUD cash for CPF at the machine or do you have to use a credit or debit card? We never use ATM machines when travelling so just wondered what the procedure was. Thanks