Exchange for Euro's

[JP1320]

Question, we will sail on the Prisendam this coming Saturday, 28 days, with a port intensive itinerary mostly using the Euro for their local currency. Can we change dollars, or charge to our room, for Euro's while on board?

 

Any and all input is appreciated.

[CruiserBruce]

Yes. But the far better rate would be obtained thru ATM use ashore.

[catl331]

You can exchange $ to Euro (at a rate higher than drawing them at a land ATM) but in order to "charge them to your room" that would entail first taking a cash advance, with a 3% fee, then exchanging the $ to Euro - a double hit.

Edited May 5, 2014 by catl331

[kazu]

For what it's worth, we don't go to Europe without having at least a few Euros in our pocket. I've done well buying some earlier as well.

 

If you need to charge for some, don't do it at the front desk. Play the casino, charge to your room and then go and cash out. Then convert those US $ to euros.

 

I haven't been on a ship where they didn't have euros but if it is possible, get a few before you go on the Elegant Explorer - especially the smaller bills.

 

The ship does charge a slightly higher rate - and abm's will give a better rate but depending upon your bank, there are also charges for abm's in Europe so depending on the amount you need, it can work out ok if you are just doing small amounts at various ports.

 

Have a great time:D

[Sea Belle]

For what it's worth...the front desk sometimes gives out of their supply. We always carry some with us just in case.

[Skipper's Mom]

I order my Euros from my brokerage institution at no charge. I just tell them how much I need and they arrive the next day or so. They debit my account. I also took out a Capital One credit card and use that for transactions without a transaction fee. I also established a debit card with Capital One and fund that for incidental purchases. Works for me. ;)

[pv girl]

Since you said you were sailing this Saturday, the easiest way to get Euros is from ATMs. Most European airports have bank ATMs right in baggage claim. That will get you through initially and if you need more later on, hit an ATM at a bank in one of the cities visited. Most of these types of ATMs are inside the bank door. Perfectly safe. Just be sure to go to the bank ATM and not to those "currency exchange" windows at airport arrival area or in tourist areas in cities. These charge high fees. I use my credit union debit card which charges no foreign exchange transaction fee and the bank ATMs give the going bank exchange rate, so a good deal.

 

While getting Euros on the ship is very convenient, you pay for that convenience with exchange fees that are a little higher.

 

Also, keep in mind that most places in Europe take credit or debit card with a Visa or MC logo, so you really don't need a lot of Euro cash. You need a little cash for street food, some local transport, flea markets, etc. Most restaurants, shops, HOHO bus, museums, local tour operators, take cards. Just make sure you use a card with no foreign exchange transaction fee, as some charge from 1-3%. Also let your debit and credit card holders know you will be in Europe or they will block charges for potential fraud. And you need a 4 digit pin #.

 

Have done lots of trip to Europe - land and cruise - and never had a problem with ATMs or using cards, except some places don't take American Express.

 

Have a great trip - Prinsendam is a fun little ship with exceptional crew.

[FATJACK]

Make sure that you notify your bank and credit card companies that you will be traveling. My wife and I have different accounts and duplicate cards so we have backups in case of a problem.

[JP1320]

To all who responded to my initial posting, thank you for the sound advise.

 

From what I have read, I took the task of finding some Euro's locally to cover incidentals upon arrival in Rome, transportation to Civitavecchia, meals covering the day before we leave, bingo we found a great local source.

 

I am pleased to say we have all the bases covered with strong input from all of you, between ATM's and Visa/MC plus Euro's and cash we should have sufficient blanket coverage.

 

Again, thank you for all your sincere efforts.:)

[whogo]

Glad you received the information you needed, JP1320. If anyone returns to this thread, here is what Holland America has to say:

 

What Currency Is Used On Board?

 

On board our ships, U.S. dollars is the only currency accepted. We also accept U.S. 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 U.S. 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.

Please note: Foreign currencies cannot be accepted or exchanged by the Front Office.

Cash Advance

 

Cash advances are available at the Front Office. All cash advances are subject to restrictions. A 3% service fee will be added to your onboard account for all cash advances.

 

 

http://www.hollandamerica.com/cruise-vacation-planning/PlanningAndAdvice.action# (Money Matters under the Shipboard Life heading)

[doublebzz]

 

Also, keep in mind that most places in Europe take credit or debit card with a Visa or MC logo, so you really don't need a lot of Euro cash. You need a little cash for street food, some local transport, flea markets, etc. Most restaurants, shops, HOHO bus, museums, local tour operators, take cards. Just make sure you use a card with no foreign exchange transaction fee, as some charge from 1-3%. Also let your debit and credit card holders know you will be in Europe or they will block charges for potential fraud. And you need a 4 digit pin #.

 

Have done lots of trip to Europe - land and cruise - and never had a problem with ATMs or using cards, except some places don't take American Express.

 

 

I agree that a no foreign transaction fee credit card is the best source for foreign purchases including restaurants and cafes. When in the EU, make sure you tell cashiers you want to be charged in euros or pounds as the case may be. Otherwise, a local foreign bank will convert your dollars and at a much higher rate than your credit card company.