ATM's on Board?

Do all the HAL ships have ATM's? Are they near the Purser's Desk?

Will they cash travelers' checks if needs be?

Do all the HAL ships have ATM's? Are they near the Purser's Desk?

 

Will they cash travelers' checks if needs be?

I have never seen an ATM on any HAL ship we have been on.

And yes, the Front desk will cash U.S.$ traveller's cheques at no charge ;)

The front desk will also break down $100 bills if you do not bring traveler's checks. You can also charge cash to your account but the front desk will charge a small fee while the casino does not if you charge the money on your card (which is then on your account) then pull a slot a few times and cash out.

Bring cash or traveler's check (cash them on the ship...don't take them ashore!)...you can store it in your safe. No reason to pay a fee to access your own funds!

Bring cash or traveler's check (cash them on the ship...don't take them ashore!)...you can store it in your safe. No reason to pay a fee to access your own funds!

Buying travelers' checks is paying a fee to access your own funds.

Buying travelers' checks is paying a fee to access your own funds.

:confused: There is no commission for travellers cheques for many people. That's the only fee I am aware of. And even for those that pay one, it is certainly less than what the ships charge to get an advance.

My Credit Union provides Travelers Checks at no charge so I always bring more than I think I'll need and put them in the safe. They're a pain to sign and cash, but it's worth the security. I charge about everything to our ship account, but I like to have cash for a few envelopes to give deserving members of the crew at the end of the cruise, and for tips at the hotel and airport...and then there's the casino.

Many places are no longer selling Travelers Checks. We got a letter from our bank a few months ago indicating that they will no longer be selling them.

When going ashore we always take lots of ones and fives with us -- just so that we don't get back too much of the islands money. Not all islands give change back in US money.

HAL has never had ATM machines.

Just off the Zuiderdam and I asked if they had ATM on board and they said no.

Just keep in mind that Travelers Checks on fine onboard (for the moment) but are becoming very difficult to cash ashore. Even some cruise lines such as Cunard have stopped accepting TCs.

Hank

Buying travelers' checks is paying a fee to access your own funds.

So is using an ATM that is not your bank's. There is usually a fee.

:confused: There is no commission for travellers cheques for many people. That's the only fee I am aware of. And even for those that pay one, it is certainly less than what the ships charge to get an advance.

As a member of a travel club (I think most of you know who it is) I do not pay a fee for Travelers' Checks or for converting my US$ to foreign currency.

As a member of a travel club (I think most of you know who it is) I do not pay a fee for Travelers' Checks or for converting my US$ to foreign currency.

exactly, there are a lot of avenues for people, travel clubs, Banks with packages (ie. for seniors, certain types of accounts, etc.), CAA/AA for certain members. The list is pretty long and many do not pay commission for their travellers cheques. While their uses are limited, they are still accepted on board the ships, so it's a nice safe way to carry additional cash.

So is using an ATM that is not your bank's. There is usually a fee.

Doesn't have to be. That is your choice when you choose your ATM bank. Plenty of Credit Unions and smaller banks do not charge ATM fees. In fact, one of my credit unions actually reimburses me for any fees charged by banks for using their ATMs. And 2 our our ATM cards charge zero fees for using them outside the US.

Those that "choose" to deal with financial institutions that love to nickel and dime (although now it is dollars and not dimes) their customers get what they deserve....lots of fees.

Hank

Doesn't have to be. That is your choice when you choose your ATM bank. Plenty of Credit Unions and smaller banks do not charge ATM fees. In fact, one of my credit unions actually reimburses me for any fees charged by banks for using their ATMs. And 2 our our ATM cards charge zero fees for using them outside the US.

 

Those that "choose" to deal with financial institutions that love to nickel and dime (although now it is dollars and not dimes) their customers get what they deserve....lots of fees.

 

Hank

easier to say from where you are than where we are. But in all honesty I do not complain about my fees for ATM as my banking is free so in the scheme of things it works out well. The only ATM fees we pay are the foreign country ones. (none in the U.S.). I believe I even found a spot in Madrid if we need to get more without charge - the joy of bigger banks ;)

No little banks in Canada, but the banking system is pretty darn secure, so that is a good thing IMO.

Doesn't have to be. That is your choice when you choose your ATM bank. Plenty of Credit Unions and smaller banks do not charge ATM fees. In fact, one of my credit unions actually reimburses me for any fees charged by banks for using their ATMs. And 2 our our ATM cards charge zero fees for using them outside the US.

 

Those that "choose" to deal with financial institutions that love to nickel and dime (although now it is dollars and not dimes) their customers get what they deserve....lots of fees.

 

Hank

Maybe the bank fees are more reasonable in the USA. I bank with rbc royal bank and the all inclusive package is $30 per month. That would include "free" travellers cheques. There is no way I can justify paying that. I do get them free with one of the credit cards I have but I have to do battle with them every time. It usually takes about an hour before they confirm I'm right:rolleyes:. Would love to have a low priced banking package. I don't think it exists here but I'll be happy to be proven wrong.

I am taking a cruise passing through Myanmar/Burma next February.

Did the Front Desk officers offer you the option to exchanging you US Dollars in Kyat money ? Without any charges...?

TKS in advance for your answers.

Holacanada on the Volendam in 143 days

I am taking a cruise passing through Myanmar/Burma next February.

Did the Front Desk officers offer you the option to exchanging you US Dollars in Kyat money ? Without any charges...?

 

TKS in advance for your answers.

 

Holacanada on the Volendam in 143 days

The front desk may offer kyat in exchange for US $, and yes there is a small fee - think it is 3%. To be honest, I have never had problems with using US$ in Burmese ports, except for buses.

Doesn't have to be. That is your choice when you choose your ATM bank. Plenty of Credit Unions and smaller banks do not charge ATM fees. In fact, one of my credit unions actually reimburses me for any fees charged by banks for using their ATMs. And 2 our our ATM cards charge zero fees for using them outside the US.

 

Those that "choose" to deal with financial institutions that love to nickel and dime (although now it is dollars and not dimes) their customers get what they deserve....lots of fees.

 

Hank

Sometimes we don't get to "choose."