Where do you keep cash before boarding?

[mrar]

Last time I cruised, I took quite a bit of money with me and I was fine once I was able to get on the ship and stash t in my safe but I was completely paranoid in the airports and traveling to the pier and everything. It was a pretty thick stack that I had in bank envelopes in my purse in the zipper compartment. Does anyone have a secret container or spot that gives them more piece of mind or am I just paranoid? Could I get it in larger bills and then have the purser's desk exchange for smaller bills so it's not so bulky before getting aboard the ship?

[LA_CA_GAL]

Could I get it in larger bills and then have the purser's desk exchange for smaller bills so it's not so bulky before getting aboard the ship?

 

Sure.

[LarryL]

If we carry any significant amount of cash, it has been $100s and would break them as needed. Once on the ship, the pursar's desk can break them into smaller denominations.

 

This year, in Barcelona, we will be buying different security type "wallets/Shoulder bag". Apparently, there is a pickpocket problem there and I like to be prepared.

 

If you google pacsafe you will find some items that may interest you.

 

Where are you cruising from that you are feeling unsafe? I've never felt uncomfortable in US ports.

 

Larry

[mrar]

I think it's more that I'm young and haven't gone on too many big trips where I have been responsible for a lot of cash. Also, San Juan is where I like to sail out of and it is maybe just a bit scarier than most places I would prefer large amounts of money.

[LADYLAYLA]

We carry some cash - but if carrying large amounts we just carry travelers checks. Safer than cash

[rvsullivan]

Unless you are paying in cash, why so much cash? I would get a small money belt and fill it with 100's if I wanted to take much cash, then use the safe on board.

[Dayenu]

I wear cross-body purse, some cash goes into husband's shoulder bag, some in money belt. Same for cards: credit, ATM. We never keep them all in one place.

[mrar]

Unless you are paying in cash, why so much cash? I would get a small money belt and fill it with 100's if I wanted to take much cash, then use the safe on board.

 

Most excursions I book are by local agencies, plus money for food, drinks, shopping, etc...

 

I'm not used to carrying any amount of cash on me 99% of the time so I guess that's why I got so worried last time with about 2grand I think. I think I'll feel better next time knowing I can take larger bills.

[LarryL]

I think it's more that I'm young and haven't gone on too many big trips where I have been responsible for a lot of cash. Also, San Juan is where I like to sail out of and it is maybe just a bit scarier than most places I would prefer large amounts of money.

 

Being a US territory, San Juan will have most businesses that will accept a debit card. If you still feel compelled to carry large amounts of cash, I would seriously check out Pacsafe. When we were there we stayed at a Marriot resort (pre-cruise) that had safes. We were a party of 4 and pretty much stayed in the resort area and Old SJ. Never did we feel threatened there. I sure hope you can find a good solution.:)

 

Larry

[CruiserGuyWPB]

Ive only taken maybe $200-300 on a cruise before, if I ever need more then I just use the ATM in the country that I am visiting, usually they give you a much better exchange rate then the ship or a bank. On the ship its all charged to a credit card anyways, so no need for cash there except the occasional extra tip.

[paul929207]

I have a fanny pack that has cash, credit cards, passports, etc.

[mrar]

So you can just go to the purser and ask for money and theyll charge your stateroom account? Is there a fee for this?

[LarryL]

So you can just go to the purser and ask for money and theyll charge your stateroom account? Is there a fee for this?

 

No, they'll break large bills ($100) into smaller denominations. No fees are involved. They also have cash machines on the ships but the fees are outragous.

[paul929207]

So you can just go to the purser and ask for money and theyll charge your stateroom account? Is there a fee for this?

They will cash traveler's check or break large bills.

[sail7seas]

If it is your wish to carry large amount of cash, I would get most of it in large bills and break them on the ship and I would carry it in more than one place. I would not carry it all in my purse but would put some in carry on or back pack etc

 

[navybankerteacher]

The best way to carry cash you will noy need on any particular day is in an under-your-clothes money belt. $100 bills make sense -- the pursers desk will gladly change them. also, San juan is one of the safest U S cities -- a high murder rate, but almost aalways involving drug deals gone bad or a macho husband avenging marital infidelity if you are not into drug deals or adultery, you should be OK in San Juan.

[fleckle]

Most excursions I book are by local agencies, plus money for food, drinks, shopping, etc...

 

I'm not used to carrying any amount of cash on me 99% of the time so I guess that's why I got so worried last time with about 2grand I think. I think I'll feel better next time knowing I can take larger bills.

Ask your excursion operators if they will accept a check. We find that most will take a check if they don't take credit cards, sparing passengers from the need to carry around large amounts of cash.

 

We carry very little cash but bring a couple of credit cards. We only take one credit card off the ship in ports and leave the other locked up in the safe.

That way, if a card should be stolen or compromised, we can cancel that one and still have the other card to use.

 

Pickpockets and muggers can be anywhere, even at the nicest upscale hotels where many people believe they are perfectly safe and are likely to be off guard.

 

If cash is lost or stolen, it is gone and you lose it all. If a credit card is lost or stolen, you simply notify the company, they cancel that card, issue you another, and you have lost nothing.

 

If you find that you need more cash, there is usually an ATM on the ship or you can get cash from the casino (charged to your shipboard account) or from an ATM in port. I would rather pay an ATM fee of a few dollars to get more cash if I should need it than carry around and risk losing 2 grand.

[tubasteve]

I second the under your clothes money belt. I use mine whenever we take a big trip and it makes me feel a lot more secure. I feel better about it since nobody can tell I am even wearing it.

[TinaT]

We bring about $2,000 in cash on our cruise and I always get $1800.00 in 100's and $200 in small bills for tipping.. and we brake them as we go... and my husband usually carries most of it..

[eh2zed]

I agree with the under garment money belt. Can't be picked or get lost.

[cb at sea]

I just keep it (large bills, easier to carry than a wad of smaller denominations) in my wallet...hubby and I split the amount. We keep a close eye on our stuff as we go thru security. Then, it's into the safe with the cash! no problems. We NEVER bring bunches of singles or small bills! Too bulky. The ship will break down larger bills for you, as needed.

[jaybird from SC]

Agree that money belts worn under garments are the best IF you must carry large sums of money. Most people will tell you fanny packs, backpacks, etc. are the most unsafe due to their easy access by thieves.

[chipmaster]

Tooks like 5000 euros once, used a body wallet.

 

Last time I cruised, I took quite a bit of money with me and I was fine once I was able to get on the ship and stash t in my safe but I was completely paranoid in the airports and traveling to the pier and everything. It was a pretty thick stack that I had in bank envelopes in my purse in the zipper compartment. Does anyone have a secret container or spot that gives them more piece of mind or am I just paranoid? Could I get it in larger bills and then have the purser's desk exchange for smaller bills so it's not so bulky before getting aboard the ship?

[jenn_x]

Im lucky that my bank will reimburse atm fees up to a certain amount each month and since I learned that I dont sorry about always having a large sum of cash when I travel, I just pull out a chunk when I board the ship. However, when we do DH carries some and I carry some...same with cards and whatnot, spreading the wealth (and the risk).

[rncruiser]

As ugly as they are, I always use a fanny/waist pack when I am traveling. It keeps my hands free for wheeling luggage. I keep our passports and other needed documents in the main compartment. I use one with a zippered section in the back and that is where I keep my cash until I put it in the safe.