HAL Traveler's check cashing on Amsterdam?

[daju22]

This is from the HAL website:

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Planning & Advice:
Money Matters

Currency and exchange
On board our ships, US dollars is the only currency accepted. We also accept US travelers checks. A currency exchange service will be available for selected itineraries, such as our European and World Cruise programs. In most ports of call you may easily exchange your US dollars into the local currency at banks, airports and major hotels. In many countries, you can use your ATM card to obtain local currency. Most locations will accept major credit cards and some will even accept U.S. dollars. If you choose to use U.S. dollars, carry smaller denominations - ones, fives, tens and twenties.
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They state that they "accept US travelers checks", BUT will they cash travelers checks for US dollars to spend in port? Not sure what their policy is on longer cruises (17 days South America). Should we take our own stash of "smaller bills" for tipping etc. in ports?

Thank you for all your advice,
Judy

[michmike]

Yes they will cash traveler's checks for cash to spend in the ports. We've never had a problem with this. Additionally, for larger purchases like jewelry most of the stores in the ports will accept them as well and of course will take your credit cards. I just wouldn't expect a souvenir shop to break a $50 check for a $5 purchase.

[Krazy Kruizers]

We take traveler's checks all the time.

The concierge and the front desk will be glad to take your traveler's checks and give you small bills for the souvenir shops in the various ports.

[daju22]

Glad to hear your replies- Krazy Kruizers and michmike. So glad to be able to take traveler's checks.

I appreciate your time. This is a super way to find out lots of info about our cruise!

Krazy Kruizers - Where is White Oak, PA? I grew up near Pgh. Now in Wilkes Barre, PA.

Judy

[Ziggy7]

just a side note, most port shops had a minuim purchase of $40.00 - $50.00 for credit cards , they did not seem to have a minium for travlers checks, we just cashed them mostly on the ship and took cash.

[dakrewser]

just a side note, most port shops had a minuim purchase of $40.00 - $50.00 for credit cards , they did not seem to have a minium for travlers checks, we just cashed them mostly on the ship and took cash.
Which does, of course, violate their agreement with the credit card companies and should be reported...

-dave

[imsulin]

How do you know what their agreement with the credit card companies is, dakrewser?

[dakrewser]

How do you know what their agreement with the credit card companies is, dakrewser?
Check with your local "action line" or "7 on your side" or other media consumer advocates. One of the most frequent questions they get is about minimum totals for charges, and the answer is always that the credit card companies, in their standard agreements, forbid "minimum charges" except in very specific circumstances (like, for non-profit orgs). See also "The myth behind the minimum charge (http://www.thecreditreportsite.com/credit_cards.asp#myth)" at THe Credit Report web site.


-dave