Money problem when Cruising different countries in Asia
Nov 12th, 2015, 05:13 AM
#1
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Money problem when Cruising different countries in Asia
My wife and I are about to take a cruise on the Princess Sapphire in January 2016 calling at Penang, Langkawi, Kuala Lumpar, Singapore,Bandar Seri Begawan, 2 x Vietnam, Cambodia, and 2 x Thailand. We would find it impossible to take small amounts of every different currency with us for each of these different countries, therefore, can anyone tell me if Princess Sapphire have on-board facilities to change small amounts of currency for use in each port, and if so, can we change British pounds or do we have to take American or Australian dollars with us onto the ship?
Nov 12th, 2015, 05:49 AM
#2
Why don't you ask your travel agent? Or Princess? Or on cruisecritic.com? In all probability places near the ports, or where ship excursions will take you, will take whatever currency you care to offer, but at lousy exchange rates.
All those countries have ATMs.
All those countries have ATMs.
Nov 14th, 2015, 09:12 AM
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They have to have some easy possibility for you to change your currency. As for example the Vietnamese and Lao currency are very hard to obtain abroad. Also in Vietnam and Cambodia USD is widely accepted. Basically everywhere.
Nov 15th, 2015, 12:40 AM
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It is never a good deal to get currency in your home country before going to a foreign country. Use local ATMs for the best rates.
I certainly wouldn't want to use a currency exchange run by the Princess. I expect you'll pay a 10-20% premium to do so.
Three of your destinations are in Malaysia - get some ringgit from an ATM at your first stop - enough for small purchases at all of your stops. Larger purchases can be charged to your credit card. Likewise for Thailand (Baht) and Singapore (Singapore dollars).
In Cambodia, the US dollar is the preferred currency for most things in Siem Reap and PP. Don't change money into Cambodian Riels, as it is a non-exchangeable currency, just use US dollars. The VN dong is also non-exchangeable, but is the preferred currency in VN. You can use US dollars, but you'll pay more for things (though with small purchases, it may not matter to you.
Do you have one or more credit cards that won't charge you a premium for foreign purchases? If you do not, get one before you go. Chase has many affinity cards like this - one for United airlines, one for Hyatt Hotels, one for Marriott Hotels, etc. Also, check with your bank about what they charge for use of a foreign ATM. The big US banks charge $5 per ATM use plus 3% premium. Check with a local credit union or small bank for better terms or the best deals I've found are through brokerages. My brokerage has no charge for foreign ATM use, and a 1% foreign exchange premium.
I certainly wouldn't want to use a currency exchange run by the Princess. I expect you'll pay a 10-20% premium to do so.
Three of your destinations are in Malaysia - get some ringgit from an ATM at your first stop - enough for small purchases at all of your stops. Larger purchases can be charged to your credit card. Likewise for Thailand (Baht) and Singapore (Singapore dollars).
In Cambodia, the US dollar is the preferred currency for most things in Siem Reap and PP. Don't change money into Cambodian Riels, as it is a non-exchangeable currency, just use US dollars. The VN dong is also non-exchangeable, but is the preferred currency in VN. You can use US dollars, but you'll pay more for things (though with small purchases, it may not matter to you.
Do you have one or more credit cards that won't charge you a premium for foreign purchases? If you do not, get one before you go. Chase has many affinity cards like this - one for United airlines, one for Hyatt Hotels, one for Marriott Hotels, etc. Also, check with your bank about what they charge for use of a foreign ATM. The big US banks charge $5 per ATM use plus 3% premium. Check with a local credit union or small bank for better terms or the best deals I've found are through brokerages. My brokerage has no charge for foreign ATM use, and a 1% foreign exchange premium.
Nov 15th, 2015, 04:03 PM
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How much are and for what are you going to use your money for in these countries. If you are taking the cruise land packages, they will probably take dollars. Local taxis not so much. Some nice resturants will take credit cards in some of these places. Local markets are use to cruisers, and dollars are often acceptable. If you get change back it will probably be in local currency.
