Thought I may, over the next few weeks, talk about some of
the cruising tips I provide to my clients. This week, someone asked me about taking money.
This week, let’s talk a little about, taking cash on your
cruise vacation.
Some folks still take travelers checks, which are still
accepted in select destinations. One of
the reasons, I do not use them, is the time it takes to go get them, when I’m
already in a mad pace before leaving. I
would not expect to cash these in Jamaica or Mexico, however, you can usually
get some cashed, while still onboard your ship.
As a single person, if I’m traveling for at least 7 days, I
take an estimated amount of $300 in cash.
However, when going to Egypt, since they rarely take CC, I took $ 800
and it was spent quickly, on added tours !
If traveling in the US, such as Alaska or Hawaii, I do not
spend this cash, but use my credit card.
However, if in locations, such as Canada, Mexico, or even Europe, I
spend the cash, instead of taxing on the extra charges from my CC company, for
using my card out of the country.
Another concept folks totally forget, which is annoying, is
to break their cash down into small bills.
When I say it’s annoying, it’s cause folks seem to always ask you, if
you have changed, and you barely brought the right change you need, for
yourself ! It’s like folks who forget to
bring their cigarettes (who maybe only smoke on vacation) or film, before we
had digital cameras !
So cruisers, don’t forget change ! Or ask for needed change, at the pursers desk
onboard !
On a minimum, I take $35-$50 ones, just for me ! They are truly valuable to have on hand, for
tipping. Also greatly needed, when you’re
in an area that only accepts cash, like the Jamaica Flea Market; or when you
are only spending a $1 or $2.
Then I take $5’s and $10’s.
Again, for areas that only accepts cash; great when bartering. And another reason, is so others around you, don’t
know you even have bigger bills.
Foreign Money. Out of
116 cruises, I have only run into 7 situations, where I needed foreign money. (1) In London for catching the subway; (2) In
Asia, when I was on a tour, and one shopping stop they made, would not accept
American money (but the bus driver had it converted for me when I saw a
purchase I wanted to make); (3) In
Norway, outside the ship, they were selling post cards, and they would not
accept American money; (4) In Japan, I stayed 2 days before my cruise (I had to
go into banks, to convert my money; it was like getting a loan); (5) In Montreal,
I had to catch the bus, and went into a hotel who converted money for me; (6)
In Egypt, I had to buy a visa after getting there, and money had to be
exchanged at the airport first; (7) In Naples, Italy at Pompeii, trinkets were
being sold outside; the lady finally took my $5 American money for a necklace. Once when I was on a cruise in Europe, I
exchanged some money, while onboard my ship, to use in port. That’s it !
Many folks think you need to exchange you money, even for
Jamaica and Mexico. This is not
true. Many folks are more than happy to
accept American money !
OK, that’s my take on money handling when cruising. I don’t pre-get any foreign money, and I take
lots of $1’s and smaller bills !
Happy Cruising. Where is your next get-away ! Here, use my cheat sheets: www.VivianWebb.com
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