VaBoom

Your assumptions are correct. I wouldn't expect to get change back from the guides/drivers. It is usually pretty hectic at the end of the day. I did not see anyone getting change. You can figure 6 Yuan per dollar. I don't know about change other places either. The people in the street were quoting in dollars. I did get a small amount of Yuan which we used in the airports and at cheap vendors. We used 1 dollar bills and credit cards. I had an envelope with larger bills to pay the guide at the end of the trip. The envelope at the end of the trip could be made up of mixed currencies.

We just returned and believe that several factors will determine whether you have time for the museum. When will your group fly into Xian, which hotel will you be assigned, are you planning to attend the optional Tang Dynasty Dinner & Show, how late does the museum remain open will all need to be considered. We had free time the day we flew into Xian that probably amounted to about 3 hours before dinner. On the second day we had from around 2 pm until 5 when we left for the dinner and show. It is not as crowded as Beijing and not as much traffic, but it is still a very large city and travel time to consider.

Thanks for the answers to cash. What are current weather and smog conditions?

I have read posts that say almost no US dollars are needed unless needed for small souvenirs all the way to posts that way US dollars are needed by the stack for tipping. Would someone please weigh in on thoughts for current needs. We leave soon.

For those on the 50 day cruise as well as 1st and last legs, we'll be hitting a number of non-Euro countries. I wonder if this includes being able to break large Euro notes. Be prepared.

 

Do you have foreign currency exchange?

 

We do not have a foreign currency service available on board. For incidentals and small vendors, we recommend getting local currency, which can be purchased in the ship’s terminal, or from ATMs, which are widely available in most large European cities. Should you wish to use ATMs, confirm with your bank prior to departure that your ATM/credit card and PIN will work abroad, and inquire about possible foreign transaction fees. Also notify your credit card company that you’ll be traveling abroad to avoid unnecessary holds on your account.

Trying to figure local currency needed for Viking Emerald Imperial Jewels of China without souvenirs. Can you help?