Currency

We are on a Baltic cruise in June. How do you acquire all the different currencies needed?

We will need the following currencies: Danish Kroner, Norwegian Kroner, Euro, Swedish Kroner, and Russian Rubles.

I know using an ATM gives the best exchange rate. Do you look for an ATM in each port?

Use your credit card and don't worry about getting local currency . . . and then having to change back whatever extra you have.

Use your credit card and don't worry about getting local currency . . . and then having to change back whatever extra you have.

You can't depend on using a credit card at small shops or lunch places. I remember our guide took us to purchase a small amount of rubles for two days in STP so we had it to purchase lunch for the two days.

For the convenience we opted to change a bit of US$'s onboard our ship (RCI Jewel) each night for the next ports local currency. I didn't need that much and didn't want to spend time looking for an ATM and hope that there would be no problem.

In St Petersburg (no Rubles available on ship) we did a private tour and anywhere we needed them our private guide just paid and we reimbursed her at the end of our 2 day tour...this was easily offered by her when we asked about needing to change money on the first morning of our tour.

The currency exchange ended up being much easier than we assumed ...worked very well for us.

I ordered on line with Wells Fargo.

While we usually use an ATM when we arrive, this trip I'm ordering small amounts of each currency though Chase before we go. The exchange rate is close enough that it makes it worth the convenience and there is no fee.

While we usually use an ATM when we arrive, this trip I'm ordering small amounts of each currency though Chase before we go. The exchange rate is close enough that it makes it worth the convenience and there is no fee.

Do you bank through Chase? I'm wondering about the no fee... Did you order on line or go into a branch?

Thanks!

I do bank with them and I went into a branch. There is not fee but the exchange rate isnt great - that's how they make money.

Banks are a better way of buying currencies here than buying at the foreign country's airport. (Rates are really unfavorable there.) We always have a some along with us for the day of arrival. Most public transportation options don't take US credit cards in ticket machines. While traveling we use our ATM card if needed. And try not to over buy.

Another option to get currency is a local AAA office. However there the rates and fees are not good.

There are instances where cash is desireable - tipping bag porters for one. As stated, you cannot always rely on your credit card, especially if it is not a true EMV chip & pin card. We have had a number of instances where our card was not accepted (twice in Copenhagen). Purchasing tickets for transportation at unmanned kiosks is another example. We used to convert currency prior to our trips, but have found it easier to just visit an ATM when we arrive (frequently right in the airpot), then using ATMs on an as needed basis. Our ATM card has no extra fees for foreign withdrawals.

We are taking a Baltic Cruise on Windstar in July/Aug. Since Windstar collects passports at the beginning of the cruise and keeps them, does anyone know if there could be a potential problem with booking a private tour in St Petersburg from Alla Tours?

We are taking a Baltic Cruise on Windstar in July/Aug. Since Windstar collects passports at the beginning of the cruise and keeps them, does anyone know if there could be a potential problem with booking a private tour in St Petersburg from Alla Tours?

There's no way Windstar can keep your passport in SPB. You would not be able to enter Russia. You need to go through Russian immigration.

Getting local currency in your home country is usually for a far worse rate than in countries where there is real competition between exchange banks. You can save up to 10% by waiting until you arrive in one of the Baltic countries. Bring a couple different card in case one does not work in all places if your cards are not Chip and Pin. They will work many places however.

ATMs are convenient and everywhere so it is a good source but exchange banks have better rates. The settlement of a charge is done at the rate during the at the price most advantageous to your bank but is still better than getting currency at home. One of the risks in getting foreign currencies at home is counterfeit bills. They are easier to pass, for exchange outside the country that issued the bills and tellers can't tell the difference and accepts them, whereas a teller in the country which issued the currency would be able to spot bad bills from 20 feet away.

The airport is the very worse place to exchange money at exchange dealers. They give horrible rates, 30-50% is lost but many people use them when returning home and just want to get rid of the foreign currency and do not care.

If you are exploring on your own in Russia, about 1/2 as many cafes and restaurants accept cards now as 2 years ago so either have cash or be sure to ask before ordering whether cards are accepted.