Currency exchange on board?

[Toulou]

I was wondering if DCL still offers a currency exchange on board. When we went on the EBTA we had enough for excursions and tour tips so I hadn't even looked into it since we used a visa for purchases. This time, we will be continuing on to Italy and would just love to have the access to get more local money. Does anyone know if DCL offers something?

 

[PsylockeSmythe]

When we took our Med Cruise back in 2018, they offered currency exchange. The rate was not great going in their direction (dollars to euro or euro to dollars). We ended up going through a local bank to get the euro's that we took with us.

Psy

 

[msmama]

I've always found the best exchange rate is via an ATM at or around the port (closer to port usually has more fees but the exchange rate is better).

That said, for the same trips (!!) I was either going to try a local bank or I found a place where you can order Euro's online and have them delivered overnight. Usually I wouldn't want to have too much foreign currency left over but for this trip I figure I can leave the extra as tips since the Magic will be in Europe for a few more months.

 

[Girl of the South]

On my EBTA (2019) there was a woman who wanted to 'turn in' some £ she had for England and DCL wouldn't do it. Because I knew I would be back to the UK, I offered to change them into US Dollars for her. I used to always try to get foreign currency. I now have about $500 in Euros, pounds, Swiss Francs and Australian dollars in a ZipLock bag. In truth, though, on my last trip to Scotland in January of last year, I just used my ATM card (which had no ATM or foreign exchange fees) pretty much everywhere without issue. And you can go to a bank ATM and make a withdrawal - it's so easy. The ATM machines at most airports are run by Exchange Companies like Travelex, not banks. So not the best place to do it. A great article by Rick Steves below about foreign currency. Getting a credit card with NO FOREIGN TRANSACTION fees is a must. And an ATM card with NO INTERNATIONAL ATM WITHDRAWAL FEES. When my niece was going to spend 5 week in Italy, we found out that Wells Fargo charges $5 for every overseas withdrawals in addition to a foreign exchange fee, so we found a better card for her. If nothing else, check eBay. I know, but sometimes people sell left over currency there if you just want €20 to get you started. I wouldn't buy from overseas, though.

Rick Steve's Advice on Foreign Exchange

 

[Disneypeach]

One thing about DCL’s exchange is that if you don’t use all the euros you exchanged with them and you kept your original receipt they will “re-exchange” back to dollars at that original rate. So essentially you don’t lose money on the backend. Also, DCL won’t do non-US coins in exchange.

 

[Toulou]

One thing about DCL’s exchange is that if you don’t use all the euros you exchanged with them and you kept your original receipt they will “re-exchange” back to dollars at that original rate. So essentially you don’t lose money on the backend. Also, DCL won’t do non-US coins in exchange.

I was hoping that was the answer! That's great. Thanks.

 

[Toulou]

On my EBTA (2019) there was a woman who wanted to 'turn in' some £ she had for England and DCL wouldn't do it. Because I knew I would be back to the UK, I offered to change them into US Dollars for her. I used to always try to get foreign currency. I now have about $500 in Euros, pounds, Swiss Francs and Australian dollars in a ZipLock bag. In truth, though, on my last trip to Scotland in January of last year, I just used my ATM card (which had no ATM or foreign exchange fees) pretty much everywhere without issue. And you can go to a bank ATM and make a withdrawal - it's so easy. The ATM machines at most airports are run by Exchange Companies like Travelex, not banks. So not the best place to do it. A great article by Rick Steves below about foreign currency. Getting a credit card with NO FOREIGN TRANSACTION fees is a must. And an ATM card with NO INTERNATIONAL ATM WITHDRAWAL FEES. When my niece was going to spend 5 week in Italy, we found out that Wells Fargo charges $5 for every overseas withdrawals in addition to a foreign exchange fee, so we found a better card for her. If nothing else, check eBay. I know, but sometimes people sell left over currency there if you just want €20 to get you started. I wouldn't buy from overseas, though.

Rick Steve's Advice on Foreign Exchange

I have about 50 euros saved from last trip and I think I'll be good for now. I'm just concerned that I may not have an easy ATM access for that piece of pizza or gelato! Thanks for the Rick Steves info...I do so love him.

 

[Toulou]

I've always found the best exchange rate is via an ATM at or around the port (closer to port usually has more fees but the exchange rate is better).

That said, for the same trips (!!) I was either going to try a local bank or I found a place where you can order Euro's online and have them delivered overnight. Usually I wouldn't want to have too much foreign currency left over but for this trip I figure I can leave the extra as tips since the Magic will be in Europe for a few more months.

That is a great idea about leaving some as a tip...I know that some of the crew members like to have some cash for shopping in port. I can go to the airport and get some but honestly would buy from DCL if I could...oh I must be spoiled!

 

[daedelus]

DCL also only has limited nations currency available. We got bad info from a port guide and used an ATM that only dispensed Caribbean dollars which DCL won't touch. Ironically, the only place that WOULD exchange them was the local casino in port. And their rate wasn't bad either!

ALWAYS double check the ATM to make sure it's dispensing the desired currency and that your rate isn't awful.