What currency in different ports

[Johnny60]

Probably a stupid question but we are going on Fascination from Puerto Rico in December.  Can we spend US currency in each of the ports?  Thanks for any advice.

[Diver2014]

4 minutes ago, Johnny60 said:

Probably a stupid question but we are going on Fascination from Puerto Rico in December.  Can we spend US currency in each of the ports?  Thanks for any advice.

Yes. Most Caribbean ports (with possible exceptions like Martinique) all take US dollars.  You can usually buy some local currency on board if you feel you need it (for tips for excursion drivers, guides).

[Pr1612]

8 minutes ago, Johnny60 said:

Probably a stupid question but we are going on Fascination from Puerto Rico in December.  Can we spend US currency in each of the ports?  Thanks for any advice.

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Yes. US dollar is accepted in all of the ports. Two of them Puerto Rico and St Thomas are actual US Territory so technically you arent even leaving the United States till the third day. 

[audcc77]

If Barbados is on your route, be mindful that if something is $40 Barbados money, that means $20 US. Try to give exact money.  They give Barbados money back to you unless you ask for US and they may not have US to give you.  Barbados is my favorite port though.  

 

Enjoy.  We're on the Fascination in January, the 3rd time on this route.

[Theosprey247]

They all take US Dollars. 

[jsglow]

US Dollars are welcome in the Caribbean.  And one nice thing about San Juan, you'll have full cell coverage while you're there.  It's like being in the next town over from home.  I remember texting our kids one last pic of Castillo del Morro as we sailed out of the harbor before the phone went 'off'.  Enjoy.

[CantWait08]

Martinique is the only port we have been to that most places would NOT except US dollars.

[Johnny60]

Thanks a lot for all your very helpful replies.

[mexicobob]

Everywhere we have been took US Dollars.  In a few places they gave us change in local currency if the amount was small.  Made a good souvenir.

[RWolver672]

8 hours ago, Theosprey247 said:

They all take US Dollars. 

Cuba does not.  Their monetary unit is the CUC and that is all that they will take.  There is a bank right in the customs building as you leave the ship to exchange your money into CUCs.

[Gail & Marty sailing away]

USD will work for you. 

[paul929207]

I always bring enough small US$ denominations to be able to give the vendor the exact amount in US$. Otherwise some will give local currency as change.

[SRF]

13 hours ago, jsglow said:

US Dollars are welcome in the Caribbean.  And one nice thing about San Juan, you'll have full cell coverage while you're there.  It's like being in the next town over from home.  I remember texting our kids one last pic of Castillo del Morro as we sailed out of the harbor before the phone went 'off'.  Enjoy.

 

I have full cell coverage over much of the world. 😄

 

T-Mobile has unlimited text and data, and 25 cents per minute calling in over 210 countries.

 

Just used it recently in Nigeria. 😄

[Hlitner]

While nearly all the Caribbean islands will accept US Dollars, you might get change in local currency.  That can be a bummer (we have a large bowl full of many pounds of coins "collected" from all over the world).  A good example would be Aruba where everyone happily accepts dollars but  often gives you change in Arubian Florins.  When going ashore its a good idea to carry extra small bills (you can get change at the Guest Relations desk on the ship).

 

Hank

[LHT28]

if  we have small amounts of local currency  we often will give it to the crew (not as a tip)  as we know they will probably back at the islands before  we are

[zqvol]

On 10/23/2018 at 7:15 PM, Johnny60 said:

Probably a stupid question but we are going on Fascination from Puerto Rico in December.  Can we spend US currency in each of the ports?  Thanks for any advice.

 

All of the ports in the Caribbean will accept $USD.

[RWolver672]

On 10/24/2018 at 8:28 PM, zqvol said:

 

All of the ports in the Caribbean will accept $USD.

 

Not true.  Cuba doesn't.  "The USD is no longer a proxy currency in Cuba; in fact, there is a 10% penalty to exchange USD. Cuba travelers should AVOID US DOLLARS!"  (Taken from Google) 

[SRF]

That doesn't mean that the people will not accept dollars.

 

Just that they are not SUPPOSED to do so.