exchanging dollars onboard

[susiesan]

Does Oceania offer currency exchange onboard for dollars in cash? Our Insignia cruise will see us having to deal with 5 different currencies for the ports we visit. How are their exchange rates compared with banks in the ports? It would be handy to have some pocket money when leaving the ship at each port and not having to rush off to a bank or ATM before we can do anything.

[mike35]

Does Oceania offer currency exchange onboard for dollars in cash? Our Insignia cruise will see us having to deal with 5 different currencies for the ports we visit. How are their exchange rates compared with banks in the ports? It would be handy to have some pocket money when leaving the ship at each port and not having to rush off to a bank or ATM before we can do anything.

Oceania hasn't, in the past, offered currency exchange. We always purchase our foreign currency in our departure airport prior to flying to the embarkation point; that way, we have "pocket money" to pay cab drivers, tip porters, etc.

Mike

[Jancruz]

Does Oceania offer currency exchange onboard for dollars in cash? Our Insignia cruise will see us having to deal with 5 different currencies for the ports we visit. How are their exchange rates compared with banks in the ports? It would be handy to have some pocket money when leaving the ship at each port and not having to rush off to a bank or ATM before we can do anything.


Just one more thing you can criticize them for..
Jan
*************

[LHT28]

We could get currency exchanged at the Reception desk but not sure if it was favourable or not as we got some from our bank and then from the ATM in London.

[Benita]

On our recent Oceania cruise, the front desk would exchange dollars for Euros. I think the conversion rate was $1.3 for 1 Euro.

[mike35]

Looks like maybe Euro exchange on board, but none of the Far East (China, Japan, Korea, Hong Kong) or Turkey-to-Athens currencies.

Mike

[Rickey 88]

None of the ships carry all the currencies that may be necessary for each and every port of any cruise. Simply put, they are not in the banking business.

However, on all cruises we have been on, they have always invited local banking reps to come on board to do any necessary money changing. Fees and rates are what you would find in their banks.

[spindrift]

On our Beijing to Hong Kong trip, I believe it was in Tawain that the bank came on board. We exchanged to their money, and when we returned I was hesitant to ask, but I did, and they exchanged what I had left back to dollars for exactly what I had exchanged for their money as well as their taking my leftover Yan from China. It was wonderful.

I think it depends on the country in which you are traveling and if the agent sends the bank on board. I'm not sure. I'm only guessing. I feel Oceania would do whatever they could do if the agent would plan for a bank to board.
If they came on board on one of our ports, then I'm sure they would at other ports.

Just go ahead and get your money exchanged ahead of time. The airport is not a good place. Call your bank and ask who exchanges money in your city. I found the worst exchange rate at the airport; however, others might have found the rate at the airport to be good. Who knows.

[mike35]

Just go ahead and get your money exchanged ahead of time. The airport is not a good place. Call your bank and ask who exchanges money in your city. I found the worst exchange rate at the airport; however, others might have found the rate at the airport to be good. Who knows.

Those of us who live in "the provinces" don't have the luxury of driving (at $3.40/gallon - highest in the nation) to a non-existent bank that exchanges money; so - the airport is our only real alternative. I agree - the rates suck, but we pay them for the convenience factor.

Mike

[hondorner]

We are in "the provinces" also. We do most of our banking through a small, local bank which has probably never seen a Canadian quarter ;), but we also maintain accounts with a large, national bank. I just checked their site, and they have online currency exchange where you can compare rates, etc., and order up to $500 worth of foreign currency on any credit card, or up to $5,000 on one of their accounts or cards. The foreign currency will be delivered either to the address on your statement (if you have one of their accounts) or to a local branch of their bank within 3 days. Here's a link to their explanation: Foreign Currency (http://www.bankofamerica.com/foreigncurrency/index.cfm?template=fc_overview.cfm) but I'm sure that most of the other major banks have similar services.

So far, all of our cruising has been in this hemisphere and dollars have been accepted everywhere, even a tiny local grocery in some out of the way port where I bought Diet Pepsi (what else? :rolleyes: ).

[HappyMarv]

Folks,

The link below is really good for getting up-to-the-minute exchange rates. Once you get an exchange set up (say dollars to/from Euros), then be sure to click on "Cheat Sheet". It's great to print these out for each foreign port prior to leaving home. They even have exchange rates for the Russian Ruble.

www.oanda.com/convert/classic (http://www.oanda.com/convert/classic)

Also, around Alabama, most all bank branches can order foreign currency. Several of the larger banks down town even stock the more common currencies like British Pound and Euros. They order less common stuff (about 3 days) and the exchange rates are the best available (comercial wholesale).

Also, the reading material from O says they keep some currencies at the desk on deck 4 (open 24/7) and that in addition to the exchange rate, they charge an additional 5% for their services.

My experience has been that the small exchange shops around a foreign town (AND the airports) have by far the worst exchange rates. After all, they're in the business to make money. My bank here adds just a fraction of 1% because I'm their customer. And I get the best possible rate...

Hope these comments help.. Marv.. ;)

[emmalbrent]

Our TA gets foreign money for us from the bank where they have agency account. If have group going, TA gets money for everyone.

It is a real hassle for us to go to Scottsdale to AmeX. Won't go into the problems with Scottsdale Amex. Our bank does not get foreign money for customers.

[susiesan]

Just one more thing you can criticize them for..
Jan
*************

What is your problem?

I asked a question that should be of interest to people cruising in Europe who will have to deal with the currencies of many different countries and who are new to Oceania. Everyone here except you had helpful answers and suggestions. If you have nothing helpful to offer than don't comment.