ATM on the Star?

[pupule]

I saw a Freestyle that mentioned an ATM in the casino. If anyone can verify this, I would appreciate it. Also what is the service charge? Any daily withdrawal limit (other than your bank's)?

 

Is this a good source of currency for shore trips, or would you advise traveller's checks? Why?

 

What about ATMs in Mexico? Should they be used?

[Toyz711]

there is a ATM, right next to the casino cage (cashier). the fees are very high...best way is to get cash from your onboard account. the casino cashier can do that, last i checked there were no fees for that. it's suppose to be for use in the casino...tell them you are playing the slots. if you tell them "blackjack" they give you chips for the tables.

[pupule]

Thanks Toyz. Thought of that, but I was wanting to use a credit card for my onboard account and just get cash from my checking acct via debit card. Is the ATM charge around $5? That's not too bad if I take $400 a pop (my bank's single withdrawal limit).

 

I have read other threads that say traveler's checks can be a hassle, so I might just take $500-$1000 in cash. Think it would be safe in the room safe? Or should I carry it? I haven't found any htreads saying their room safe was violated, but maybe I should search. I at least want about $75-$100 in singles for tips ashore.

[Toyz711]

my DH was going to use the ATM (on the ship) and freaked when he saw how much it was. i can't remember the amount. we even get most of our fees back, he still wouldn't use it. last trip we prepaid on the credit card to make sure we had enough credit for the extra cash. (and didn't have to worry about paying it off when we got home)

we don't carry more then $50 off the ship in most foreign countries, use a credit card with a very low limit (in case of theft). everything else goes in the safe. most days our tips on excusions will only be $20 or so. our beach day, in cozumel, we will need cash..they don't take credit cards.

the cabin's safe are very good, you set the combination. you carry that much cash in mexico, you will be asking for trouble. keep it in the safe.

[latino8100]

I saw a Freestyle that mentioned an ATM in the casino. If anyone can verify this, I would appreciate it. Also what is the service charge? Any daily withdrawal limit (other than your bank's)?

 

Is this a good source of currency for shore trips, or would you advise traveller's checks? Why?

 

What about ATMs in Mexico? Should they be used?

 

Yes it's true there is one in the casino however I have tried to use in on various cruises and it has never worked because of satelite is poor nad then if u wait till it gets closer to a port the casino is closed.

One my last cruise (Alaska) I decided to use the "onboard" acct which when i closed it out i put ir amex. There is no fee's getting advances this way and I believe yr allowed $1000 a day.

[pupule]

Thanks for your help folks.

 

I think I'll do this:

 

1. Put the onboard acct on AMEX credit card (no set limit)to be paid off as soon as I can get home and get online.

 

2. Take $1000 in $100 denomination traveller's checks which can be cashed at the accounting or reception desk before going ashore. I don't remember which. I'll cash one or two before each shore excursion (maybe better bargaining when shopping with cash?). I can afford to lose a couple of hundred if worse came to worse. I'll just stay out of the casino if I get robbed! (:

 

3. I still think I'll take about $100 in fives and ones for shore tips. Take maybe $20-$25 of that on shore each time for tips and small items and the "I don't have correct change" trick.

 

4. Carry one extra traveller's check ashore for emergencies.

 

5. Avoid the ATM.

 

6. Keep all credit cards, excess traveller's checks and tip money in the cabin safe.

 

What do you think? Am I pretty well covered, with reasonable limitations to risk?

 

Thanks.

[Jeepgirl42]

Thanks for your help folks.

 

I think I'll do this:

 

1. Put the onboard acct on AMEX credit card (no set limit)to be paid off as soon as I can get home and get online.

 

2. Take $1000 in $100 denomination traveller's checks which can be cashed at the accounting or reception desk before going ashore. I don't remember which. I'll cash one or two before each shore excursion (maybe better bargaining when shopping with cash?). I can afford to lose a couple of hundred if worse came to worse. I'll just stay out of the casino if I get robbed! (:

 

3. I still think I'll take about $100 in fives and ones for shore tips. Take maybe $20-$25 of that on shore each time for tips and small items and the "I don't have correct change" trick.

 

4. Carry one extra traveller's check ashore for emergencies.

 

5. Avoid the ATM.

 

6. Keep all credit cards, excess traveller's checks and tip money in the cabin safe.

 

What do you think? Am I pretty well covered, with reasonable limitations to risk?

 

Thanks.

 

 

That all sounds good. Taking small bills into the ports is always a good idea for tips, and for small purchases.

You asked about ATM's in Mexico - they are safe to use, we have many times. Just realize though that you will be getting pesos from the Mexican ATM, not dollars! There will also likely be ATM fees. It is fun though to check your bank balance - you will feel so rich when every dollar in your account is multiplied by 10!! :)

[garycarla]

I do not see any reason to take travelers cheques unless you think you can not keep track of your cash, or it might fall out of your pockets.

 

Take some cash $1-$2k. Have some small bills.

 

If you need more cash, you can always get it FREE at the casino as mentioned in an earlier post.

 

Again, why bother with travelers cheques?