jobart

does celebrity give a good rate of money exchange and is there any charge for this service?

Paul Therault

<BR>Hi Jobart, <BR> <BR>It is not the best rate and there is a fee .... but for the convenience ...... <BR> <BR>Paul

Andy

When you exit most cruise ships in foreign ports, there is usually an ATM very close by--in the towns--the rate of exchange is much better using the ATM--we did the MEd this past spring and everyone was using the ATM--just make sure you tell your bank you are going out of the country and make sure your code has 4 digits---

Paul Therault

<BR>My experience with ATM machines is that they do not give you much money. Maybe I am doing something wrong. <BR> <BR>Paul

tlmlb

Went on Celebrity Baltic Cruise this summer and exchange rates were not too good on the ship - probably 8 - 14% worse than you would get on land - not significant if you are changing small amounts but if you are changing a hundred usd or so you might want to consider not using their service - I usually would ask a staff person whose home country was the port we were visiting on the skinny about changing money and what the true rate of exchange is - they really know since they are paid in dollars and have to do conversions all the time - also, if I am embarking/disembarking from a foreign port and plan to be there a few days - I will order the appropriate money ahead of time from my U.S. Bank. and take it with me. Pays to be prepared for taxis, little shops etc. etc.

Paul Therault

<BR>Money exchange is very complicated and passengers do not need complications on a cruise. <BR> <BR>I find the best way to go is to use your charge card which most all retail establishments take. All banks have the almost true daily rate of exchange posted in their windows (give or take a quarter percent). All you really need foreign money for is snacks. Or maybe small entrance fees to museums. <BR> <BR>If you bring money from home how do you change it back. The U.S. bank will charge you a hefty fee to do this. <BR> <BR>Even charge cards have a negative, some charge you 1 - 2% for foreign exchange but they do have the best rates. Ask your credit card company. <BR> <BR>Another tidbit is, if you go to a bank to exchange money or travelers checks be sure to have your passport and not the ID that the ship gives you. Extremely few banks take this form of ID. <BR> <BR>See how complicated all this is. For the small change that you will be using ashore I would use the ship's bank. <BR> <BR>Paul

m

Depending on where you are going of course, but we've always found that US Dollars are usually accepted in the Caribbean. It seemed that most of the places will list prices in both US dollars and local currency, but they may not be using the most recent exchange rate. I know that in Marigot, St. Martin last spring we found one place where the USD price listed was a 6:1 exchange, while the actual was better than 7:1. Most of the time, thought, using the credit card gave as good an exchange rate as any....watch for currency exchanges that your credit card will tack on though.

Beth

<BR>It would really help if we knew the ports. There are countries in which your ATM will not work, you must have a debit card. I know this from personal experience in at least two countries. I use my CC in most countries, but agree if you are going to a different country in stop it would be better to exchange a small amt on the ship for the convenience. If staying in one country for a few days, Italy for example then definitely use your ATM/Debit card.

Paul Therault

<BR>This is a very interesting and educational tread. I wish all the threads were like this one. <BR> <BR>Paul