Does the ship hold US Dollars to sell?

[debsjc]

I was just wondering if the ships holds US Dollars cash that one can buy on a credit/debit card. I don't want to carry loads more cash than I need for security, but if I use my card in an ATM machine in South America, obviously it's not going to give me USD.

[StanandJim]

I was just wondering if the ships holds US Dollars cash that one can buy on a credit/debit card. I don't want to carry loads more cash than I need for security, but if I use my card in an ATM machine in South America, obviously it's not going to give me USD.

 

debsjc,

 

Yes, the ship does offer currency for sale at the front desk in the lower Reception Hall.

This service is offered strictly as a courtesy, and for the passengers convenience.

Like any convenience, the rates are not inexpensive, and I'd use the ship if I were buying a minimal amount of currency that I was sure that I 'd need as soon as I got off of the ship (for a taxi, perhaps, or to tip porters).

 

Otherwise, I'd use an ATM in the States.

 

 

Hope this helped-

 

S&J

[paulista1950]

What you'll need is local currency, so you'll use your card at ATMs there.

[debsjc]

StanandJim - Thanks very much for the info, it's good to know I can get some from the ship just in case of an unexpected emergency.

 

paulista1950 -Some times private tours or taxis want USD and not local currency.

[hondorner]

I believe the ship charges 5% as a fee for getting cash on a debit or credit card. I would not use their service unless I was desperate. I've never used the casino, but I think I remember somewhere that the fee is lower (or not at all) to buy chips on a credit card -- all you have to do is win and cash out. Don't take me as gospel on this.

 

We don't spend a lot of cash, most places accept a credit card, and local currency is easy to get on a debit card, especially because some debit cards, like Schwab Bank, refund all ATM fees (they do charge a currency conversion fee, of course).

 

I'm leary of carrying much cash, as well, especially since our last cruise started in Buenos Aires, where pickpockets are supposed to be as thick as thieves ;). So, on our last trip, I made myself into a walking security bank. My DW rolled on the floor laughing as she watched me prepare.

 

I had two $50 bills folded up in money belt -- a normal appearing leather belt I found with a zippered compartment on the back. I had more cash and some extra credit cards in a security pouch that one wears around one's waste, but under one's trousers. It's a white cotton pouch, zippered, with an elastic belt, less than $8 at Walmart. Next, I also found an around-the-neck passport wallet at Walmart (about $10) which had room for other documents, more cash and more credit cards, and which I wore under my shirt unless I was at the airport terminal and needed the passports. Finally, I carried two slim wallets -- one in the pocket in which most men carry their wallets, but with virtually nothing in it -- a dummy to fool the pickpockets. Then, I carried the other in a pocket where I was always aware of it, with more cash and a couple more cards (one credit card and one debit card).

 

A theif would have had to strip me naked to leave me penniless, and any thief who could stand that sight has earned what I carried...:rolleyes:

 

Despite my DW's laughter, she admitted that she felt more secure with my precautions.

 

Once aboard the ship, I left most of that paraphanelia in the ship's safe and only carried an absolute minimum into ports. That also helps control my spending...

[lcand1923]

Hondorner,

 

Thanks for the great description of the precautions you took! I would like to share two more suggestions that my Dad has used for many years to make it more difficult for pickpockets to get his cash.

 

One - put a rubber band around your wallet or billfold. Place it in your front trouser pocket.

 

Two - stuff a handkerchief on top of the wallet or billfold.

 

We were in Paris near the Louvre. Dad reached into his pocket for his handkerchief. A pickpocket had his hand in the same pocket. Dad, who was 80 at the time, grabbed the fellow's wrist, and jerked the hand out of his pocket. The pickpocket's attractive female accomplice ran up, grabbed the young man and they both took off. (The young man and woman had joined up with a group of schoolchildren who were entering the Louvre. We had stepped aside to let the school group enter ahead of us.)

 

Dad and I both use various pouches under our clothing, so the pickpocket wouldn't have gotten much. It was still quite a surprise for all parties concerned.

 

(Sorry, I know this is off topic, but it seemed appropriate on top of your description.)

 

Connie