ATMS - Anything Else I Should Know?

[NurseBeth]

I am leaving next Thursday on the Sensation...my paycheck isn't deposited until Friday, so I will need to use the shipboard ATM that Friday morning to get a little "pocket money" for some shopping in Nassau. I was a good CC Member and used my search feature beforehand ;), and I now know I can expect to pay $5-$6 for my ATM transaction, and to do it early on before the machine runs out of money.

 

Are there any other "surprises" I should know about as far as using the ATM? Thanks!

[sptree]

When we were on the Pride, the ATM was "out of order" after the 1st day. The purser wouldn't give me a cash advance on my credit card, but they would have cashed a personal check (if I had one with me) We ended up using an ATM in Mexico and received pesos. I now carry a couple checks with me. I don't know if they would have charged a fee.

[sea_u_onboard]

Does your debit card work as a credit card? Are you going to use it for your S&S? If so, you can take an advance at the casino and pay the 3% fee. The charge is put on your S&S.

[arcone]

Can you do a web search for nearest bank to your departure port. You may want to consider visiting a bank near the port before checking in.

My Dh used a ATM while visiting Grand Cayman and was given Cayman Dollars.

Also you may want to call carnival to see what the check cashing policy is and if there is any charges.

[FunDayAtSea]

Be very careful about the check cashing. The only time I wanted to do a personal check (maybe 4 yrs ago), they required an AMEX card (which I have, luckily). From what I understand, they will do that for AMEX holders only. This may have changed, but I wanted some cash and ATM was out of service. Thank goodness for the AMEX.

 

I would verify before expecting check cashing service.

 

Jodi

[sea_u_onboard]

Just found this on Carnival's FAQ's...

 

Can I cash checks on board?

Effective immediately, Carnival will no longer cash a guest’s personal check on board.

All ships have ATM’s on board for guests to use.

[Flip2cruise]

Be very careful about the check cashing. The only time I wanted to do a personal check (maybe 4 yrs ago), they required an AMEX card (which I have, luckily). From what I understand, they will do that for AMEX holders only. This may have changed, but I wanted some cash and ATM was out of service. Thank goodness for the AMEX.

 

I would verify before expecting check cashing service.

 

Jodi

 

They no longer cash personal checks.

 

http://www.carnival.com/CMS/FAQs/Check_Cashing.aspx

 

Effective immediately, Carnival will no longer cash a guest’s personal check on board.

[Vidimom]

If you are that worried about the ATM, go get a payday advance from one of the centers in your town. You write them a check and they don't cash it until your payday. It usually cost 10%, but it's better than worrying about not being able to get cash.

 

You can also go to the ATM's in Nassau.

 

Hope it works out for you.

[crusinmama06]

I have to warn you to try to do it before you board. Are you flying in? Use the ATM at the airport.

 

I have used that particular ATM with no problem...but I had backups. If this is your only way of having access to cash, then I would attempt to get it before you board just in case the ATM doesn't work onboard.

 

And also, I am assuming that this is a Bank Card. Are you using this for your SS account too? Remember that they put an amount on hold that you won't have access to.

[NurseBeth]

Thanks for the advice everyone! I won't be able to make a withdrawal that Thursday, because my paycheck is on direct deposit and won't go in until Friday. I will have my S&S linked to the debit card though, so if I REALLY need to I can cash out some casino chips. The worst thing that could happen I suppose is the ATM doesn't work so I don't get any Bahamas souvenirs.

 

I think I'll live.....the most important part to me is getting on the ship!!! :D

[cruisedawgg]

Are you saying you'll have NO money from the time you leave your house on Thursday until when you get paid on Friday? How will you pay for things like porter tips and that ever-so-important "i just boarded!" drink? yikes!?!!:eek:

[KarenMF]

Thanks for the advice everyone! I won't be able to make a withdrawal that Thursday, because my paycheck is on direct deposit and won't go in until Friday. I will have my S&S linked to the debit card though, so if I REALLY need to I can cash out some casino chips. The worst thing that could happen I suppose is the ATM doesn't work so I don't get any Bahamas souvenirs.

 

I think I'll live.....the most important part to me is getting on the ship!!! :D

 

You can use your debit card at the stores in ports.