Currency exchange, Europe-Mediterranean

[jobry]

We will be on MSC Poesia Sept/Oct and are wondering what the usual practice is for currency exchange.  
Most places use Euro, but we will need a few other currencies: Southampton, Istanbul, Copenhagen….  Do most people just put their incidental purchases on credit or debit cards in Europe, or use cash?  I imagine we will need some cash, so is there a currency exchange on board, or how do you suggest we handle this?

[8420PR]

If it was me, I would just plan on using credit/debit cards and not converting cash into the local currency, especially if it just for a few hours in port.

 

These days it is difficult to find a place that doesn't accept credit cards, especially in Europe where the interchange fees are regulated so accepting cards is often cheaper than accepting cash for the merchant.

 

In case you do need cash, getting it from ATM's is normally cheapest.   It might be worth applying for a credit/debit card with no ATM or foreign currency fees, if available to you in New Zealand, but even with  fees a bank ATM is still typically cheaper than a foreign exchange shop.

[emmas gran]

Friends in Sydney have just got "Wise" card for travelling overseas

[CruisingFox27]

22 hours ago, jobry said:

We will be on MSC Poesia Sept/Oct and are wondering what the usual practice is for currency exchange.  
Most places use Euro, but we will need a few other currencies: Southampton, Istanbul, Copenhagen….  Do most people just put their incidental purchases on credit or debit cards in Europe, or use cash?  I imagine we will need some cash, so is there a currency exchange on board, or how do you suggest we handle this?

 

There isn't a currency exchange onboard and in the locations you've listed, cards would be the accepted form of payment for most purchases. 

Edited August 20, 2023 by CruisingFox27

[KINGBOBOFTHENORTH]

Most places will accept Euros if that's all you have but as suggested above, just use a credit or debit card for nearly all your purchases. I was recently in numerous foreign countries and never once needed the local currencies.