Casino for cash advances????

[two4theroad]

"To avoid fees, you go into the casino,give them your shipboard card and get the amount you need. Cash out at cashier stand for cash. The amount that you put on your shipboard account will simply appear as a purchase and will be on your invoice when you disembark. When you receive your next credit card statement, you will have a one line item for your total charges when on ship including your fee free no interest loan!"

 

I found this on another thread and wondered if anyone has tried it on AZ. I have been trying to decide how to handle cash for tours and such. I hate to pay the credit card cash advance percentages and don't want to chance having too much cash as I have been warned about the pickpockets. I have also been thinking about traveler's cheques...any opinions.

thanks,

Lori

[Dick in Falls Church]

Maybe in the past, but I think now that it will cost you 3% when you take cash to gamble (or for other purposes). Folks used to brag about how many thousands of dollars they got for "gambling" in cash, and then got double miles on their charge cards.

 

Greedy folks, couldn't not brag, blew it for all---- most of whom just didn't consider abusing the system.

[BurBunny]

While the 3% may be equal to some peoples' fees (via ATM or credit card) in some cases, do be aware that you will receive US Dollars, not local currency. So in addition to the fee, you will also most likely have to change the funds, incurring yet another "hit." Better to just use ATMs. If you're on tour, just ask your driver to stop at an ATM near the end of the tour - no risk of pickpockets then, best rate of exchange.

 

Don't know where you're traveling, but in most places anymore, except onboard the ships, traveler's checks are not widely accepted. They're a pain now to use and cash, often requiring 2 forms of ID, one of which being your passport, and that's at a bank.

[Redtravel]

3% and you get cash in US currency....not a good deal...sorry!