South American 14 night from Santiago to Buenas Aries

[jerry f]

Our group has 7 cabins on the Emerald in January. Are American dollars good in the ports on the cruise? Jan17th 2018.

[Orlando Vic]

Not to my knowledge.

 

 

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[Steelers36]

It depends on the country and location and what your are doing. We have booked almost exclusively private tours and all but one are taking final payment in local currency (CLP in that case). Others are either paid in USD final payment before the tour or in cash on day of. We had one other tour paid ahead that was billed to Visa in Brazilian Reals which we knew was the case. I think in major ports you can use USD, or obtain cash from a ATM. Peru and Ecuador (which you won't hit) are NP to use USD. Falklands you can use some GBP if you have it. If go to Iguazu Falls, AR, the entrance fee is payable only in cash and only in Argentine Pesos.

 

It seems local currency might be a good thing in Argentina and Brazil, but I am not totally sure and I don't want to have a lot of local currency left over. Going to wing it in USD except for what we know we need to have.

[Working 2 Cruise]

Our group has 7 cabins on the Emerald in January. Are American dollars good in the ports on the cruise? Jan17th 2018.

 

Why would dollars be good in a foreign country? You will need local currency... And/or use your credit card.

[fishywood]

When I took this cruise way back in 2012, in Buenos Aires many of the shops and restaurants in the Florida district (the pedestrianized area running from near the cruise port to Plaza de Mayo) had their USD/ARS conversion rate posted in the windows. At that time there was a huge underground economy using $US and pretty much all private tour providers would want to be paid in greenbacks. Though likely less so today.

 

In Chile they took USD at the shops in the airport--but gave change in CLP. In Punta Arenas the large souvenir/liquor store at the entrance to the pier had four different tills: CLP, ARS, USD and Euros. But I would not count on using Dollars in any mom-and-pop establishment.

[Steelers36]

Yes, I plan to use credit card wherever possible.

[skynight]

Our group has 7 cabins on the Emerald in January. Are American dollars good in the ports on the cruise? Jan17th 2018.

If you are going to use cash you will require local currency

If you take private tours or Princess tours these normally are paid for in US$. If you wish to purchase anything locally with cash or take public transportation you will require local currency. Credit cards are widely accepted.

We took a private tour in Ushuaia which was pre-paid in US$, but the national park entrance fee had to be paid in Arg. Pesos. The tour organizer arranged for the local guide to take our US$ and they paid the entrance fees.

Ports in Chile use Chile Pesos. You can easily obtain them at the airport or at an ATM. You can also get some before you fly to Santiago, although it isn't necessary.

Ports in Argentina use Arg. Pesos. We got some Pesos at the grey market in Puerto Madryn. Just ask at the pier. It is a store along the main street, not far from the ship. Don't pre-purchase Arg. Pesos. The currency value moves a lot. Many banks don't offer the Arg. Peso.

Stanley - British or Faulkland I. Pounds. The store and restaurant there also accepted US$. Be prepared for very high prices.

Uruguay - Uruguay Pesos. We took a private tour which accepted pre-payment in US$. We also tipped in US$. It was a nice tour which included a back yard BBQ at a private home.

[thinfool]

Our group has 7 cabins on the Emerald in January. Are American dollars good in the ports on the cruise? Jan17th 2018.

 

Generally, if you are normally in tourist areas you can use USD. If you like to explore local areas away from the tourists then local $$ will be needed.

 

Using USD will always result in a conversion penalty with small vendors.

 

In the Falklands there are no atm's (not even one), GBP's are the best, but tour operators will usually take USD (with substantial penalty) but you must verify with the operator before you arrive.

 

We could never find an atm in Buenos Aires that would work with our US bankcard. We had to take cash (US) to a bank to obtain local $$.

 

Chile was the best...working atm's and stable financial situation.

[san diego sue]

All our private tours and places buying things took our American dollars.In restaurants we used credit card.

In Peru we used American dollars to buy inexpensive jewelry,pillow cases, crafts. Same in Chile. bought some incredible handmade woolen hats, scarves. Argentina the same. We were mostly in tourist areas so maybe that is why they took our dollars. In Buenos Aires was only there for a day and our tour included lunch. However we did buy souvenirs and they took our dollars.

[jerry f]

Thanks to all,

Just thinking about shops and such around the port or tender areas for souvenirs and things.

[satxdiver]

We did this cruise in 2015 and this year did the BA to FLL cruise. In Argentina many merchants want USD because their currency is not all that stable. It all depends on the merchant and whether it is a small business or some large one. In Chile and Brazil they wanted local currency however at the port itself in the little shops they took USD. We use a credit card that does not charge a fee for use outside the US and watch the expenditures that come through carefully. So far we have not had a problem. We will be on the Santiago (San Antonio) to LA cruise early 2018.

[EagleRockers]

Why would dollars be good in a foreign country? You will need local currency... And/or use your credit card.

There are many foreign countries, for example Mexico, where American dollars are preferred and downright welcomed. Your snarky remark to the OP doesn't help one bit.:evilsmile:

[elfinmagic]

We did the opposite cruise and had no problem with acceptance of US dollars - we booked all of our tours independantley

[elfinmagic]

Thanks to all,

Just thinking about shops and such around the port or tender areas for souvenirs and things.

 

Do you really think a local vendor will not accept your US dollars?