Just got a call from a fellow cruiser, Diane and she had inquired about what was her option to get the best exchange rate for dollar to euro? If I recall on my last trip to Europe, we did every purchase that we could by credit card and the minimal cash that we had we got from American Express Travel Services or was it Auto Club? Either source would work.
As for the amount of Euro you would need? That depends on what you would like to purchase. On the Celebrity cruise ship - you will need a credit card as the ship operates on a cashless system validating your Visa/Master, American Express Card or you will need to sign for payment by cash or traveler's check to your personal Celebrity Sea Pass. For Restaurants and boutiques in port, I recommend you use credit cards. You can also get Euros through an ATM (available on the ship and in ports at a bank) but be aware that you might have a service charge. The amount you need? Good question! Traveler's checks can be cashed for your convenience - Euros? Small stuff for taxis, tips and shopping at the local farmers market comes to my mind. Checkout Rick Steve’s Money 101 for additional tips.
Also, most European ATM’s require a Personal Identification Number (PIN) for all your credit cards. So be sure you check with the credit card institution for this number that is linked to the card you will be using.
Lastly, let your credit card institution know that you will be traveling so that you won’t have any issues while you are buying that Murano Glassware in Venice! I checked the internet and came up with this link. Does any one have any other options for Diane?
As for the amount of Euro you would need? That depends on what you would like to purchase. On the Celebrity cruise ship - you will need a credit card as the ship operates on a cashless system validating your Visa/Master, American Express Card or you will need to sign for payment by cash or traveler's check to your personal Celebrity Sea Pass. For Restaurants and boutiques in port, I recommend you use credit cards. You can also get Euros through an ATM (available on the ship and in ports at a bank) but be aware that you might have a service charge. The amount you need? Good question! Traveler's checks can be cashed for your convenience - Euros? Small stuff for taxis, tips and shopping at the local farmers market comes to my mind. Checkout Rick Steve’s Money 101 for additional tips.
Also, most European ATM’s require a Personal Identification Number (PIN) for all your credit cards. So be sure you check with the credit card institution for this number that is linked to the card you will be using.
Lastly, let your credit card institution know that you will be traveling so that you won’t have any issues while you are buying that Murano Glassware in Venice! I checked the internet and came up with this link. Does any one have any other options for Diane?
1 comment:
We usually also get some money before we leave just so we have some for taxis at the airport, etc. You might check the exchange rates online (there is a link to an exchange rate site on the right panel, or google exchange rates) and then check to see what the cost is at a local bank or auto club to see which one is best. They always say that the exchange booths are the worst rates, but I have also gotten cash at the destination airport -- both from a booth or from an ATM.
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