how much cash do we need?

[Davian]

we have 2 nights pre-cruise and have some US$ cash but wondering how much we will need

 

do the routlettes take US$ or CXP and how much are average meals

 

also what about bloody marys or things on the islands do they take both US$ and CXP?

 

thanks jill

[Spikesgirl]

You won't have much trouble with Papeete using USD, but the roulettes we visited preferred CFP. On the outer islands, we used CFP (although Bloody Mary's will probably take USD) and when we went to Rarotonga, we used NZD. It's easy to convert money on board so that you don't get stuck with a lot of local currancy - the ship won't exchange CFP for USD, so be conservative. The ship aso offered the best exchange rate when we were there in 2004.

 

As to how much money, that's really hard to say. it depends upon how much shopping you plan to do, how much eating out and where. We put a lot on our charge cards when dining out, but I think we had about $200 walking around money in Papeete, mostly in small bills. Things are pretty expensive, but you don't have to spend an arm and a leg. Your best bet for inexpensive souviners is at Le Marche (look around though, best buys are usually on the second floor and to the back). There are lots of small shops to eat at that are moderately priced.

 

Charlie

[kruzingtogether]

I would recommend taking traveler's cheques on exchanging them on board (no charge either for cashing them for USD or exchanging for local currency). We got by with about $400, I think, but that included paying cash for two privately booked excursions.

[Wendy The Wanderer]

You can easily get CFP in the airport, at the Change counter when you arrive. I would start with $100-$200, then you can always get more at an ATM or on the ship.