Exchange usd for euros on board?

[pete1681]

We are going on our first Mediterranean cruise next year. Will they exchange dollars for euros on board,and how is the exchange rate? Or is there a better way?
thanks!

[jelayne]

If they exchange the rate will be lousy.  Depending upon your plans you may need very few euros.  Hotels, restaurants, taxis, admission to sights and many tour operators take credit cards.  
We get a small amount of Euros from a bank ATM when we get to Europe.  

[Jim_Iain]

The exchange rate is usually pretty bad on the ship but they usually have Euros on a Med cruise. 

 

In the past couple years we have found we require very little local currency.   As a result covid almost everything has gone to hands free payment systems and they prefer you to use credit cards.   We usually have enough for tipping excursions and incidentals.

 

If we need exchange I usually just stop by our Wells Fargo Bank which usually carries UK Pounds, Euros and Yen.  If they don't we usually place an order online and pick it up within a day or two.

 

Another good source is any major bank's ATM machines at your first EU port.    My bank reimburses for all ATM fees.

Edited March 3, 2023 by Jim_Iain

[DaKahuna]

50 minutes ago, Jim_Iain said:

Another good source is any major bank's ATM machines at your first EU port.    My bank reimburses for all ATM fees.

I have frequently used the ATMs in the airport to get Euro’s or Pounds when traveling in Europe and the UK.  I have found the exchange rate is based on the banks and even with the bank ATM fees a better deal than the currency exchange booths at the airport. 
 

I have also never had an issue tipping tour guides in US dollars. 

[Northern Aurora]

The OP has asked about the exchange rate on a Celebrity ship.  While Guest Relations will be happy to exchange currency you really don't want to do so.  The exchange rate will be more than "lousy."  You will pay almost obscene rates for the currency.  Buy in their defense, Celebrity is not in the currency exchange business.  They are in the cruise industry.

 

 

 

[Arizona Wildcat]

If on a Med cruise get foreign currency at an ATM.  They will always have the best rate.  I note on our last trip to the EU in 3 weeks needed a bit less than $2 in cash - twice for a pay toilet.  

[cruisestitch]

The Guest Services desk will do it but try to find any other option before you are in need of their exchange.  You will pay a lot for the convenience.

[steamboats]

There´s an ATM onboard where you can get Euro on Med sailings. Not sure whether they still change onboard or just tell you to use the ATM.

 

steamboats

[Fly and Sail]

The onboard exchange rate is highway robbery.

[DCPIV]

I completely agree that an ATM is the best way to go about it and that the airport is as good a place as any.

 

I also completely agree that you won't need much. Many places have gone cashless altogether. Last year, I hardly spent any cash beyond what we gave as a tip. 

 

 

[Wineaux007]

Be aware, ATMs are now starting to ask you if you want them to do the conversion for you.  Always say NO.  You will be charged a fee if you say YES.  Let your bank/credit card do the conversion.  That way you will get the interbank rate for the day/time of the transaction.  

[Peteymil]

I get $100 euros at my bank before I leave.  If I should need more I could always go to an ATM.  I always like to tip tour guides in their own currency.

[Jim_Iain]

Planning for the future we also never exchange back to USD.   We just bring it home with us and use it on a future trip.   We do however travel to Europe at least a couple times a year.  We just keep them in envelopes and bring the leftover notes with us each trip.

 

Sometimes you have to be cautious as like the UK they retired old notes.   After the published circulation date it was difficult to get a bank to retire them unless you had an account with the bank. 

[Mr. Click]

Others have pointed out that doing your exchange on board is expensive, airports by and large are just as bad.  Get what you need from your local bank to get started and keep your ATM card handy for other needs along the way.

[the penguins]

23 minutes ago, Mr. Click said:

Others have pointed out that doing your exchange on board is expensive, airports by and large are just as bad.  Get what you need from your local bank to get started and keep your ATM card handy for other needs along the way.

If you have any Euros left don't change it back use it for all/part of your onboard tips.

[pete1681]

Thanks all appreciate the advice!

 

[metla]

14 minutes ago, pete1681 said:

Thanks all appreciate the advice!

 

ATM for currency. Credit cards for purchases.  Both give the best exchange rates. Capital one does not charge fees. 

[marieps]

I opened a Charles Schwab checking account specifically for hitting ATMS overseas, as all fees are refunded.  Be sure to use a bank ATM.   Also be sure you have a credit card that waives foreign transaction fees.  I use Quicksilver for that purpose.

Edited March 3, 2023 by marieps

[goofysmom99]

Like everyone else has suggested, an ATM is the way to go, but don't get too much since chances are, you won't need it.  I've been hauling the same wad of euros back and forth across the Atlantic for years simply because I always use a card (also have a smaller wad of GBPs).  This year, to whittle it down a bit, I'm planning to pay cash for my transfers, for sure, and maybe the hotel and I'll still have a few leftovers. 

[mahdnc]

The last time I exchanged currency aboard a ship was on Millennium way back in 2007 (Med cruise).  I had leftover Euros (like 150 or so) that I wanted to change back into dollars.  I didn't think that the exchange rate at Guest Relations was that bad compared to the actual market exchange rate.  I thought I had a photo of the posted exchange rates to compare with the market exchange rate, but I cannot find it.

 

During our recently completed Oct-Nov trans-atlantic, I had about 150 Euros leftover from the trip that I forgot to exchange back.  The Euro was worth just under a Dollar then when I got them.  I brought them with me to Las Vegas a couple weekends ago and I exchanged them at the Venetian casino and I got an exchange rate of a Dollar for each Euro so I felt like a winner because I got back what I paid for them.  The market exchange rate for the Euro had improved by then to $1.07 USD.  

[markeb]

If you're thinking about pulling currency from an airport ATM, check the ports of call board for that airport. Heathrow, for instance, is notorious for TRAVELEX ATMs and horrible exchange rates. There are no bank ATMs in Heathrow, or apparently Paddington at the end of the Heathrow Express. Probably not a big deal for £20, but I'd generally avoid it if possible. Just be aware

 

And your credit card/Apple Pay is your best option!

[drakes2]

5 hours ago, marieps said:

Also be sure you have a credit card that waives foreign transaction fees. 

I had one years ago but as of late those cards are  pretty much non existant at least in Canada.