Euros or Dollars for cash tips on the summer European sailings?

[princesscinderella]

Wait. Why do you need cash? Can't you just go to guest service and increase the tips there? That's what we do and if it's room service or bar just add it to the receipt .

It’s not needed for tips on the ship, but the staff doesn’t necessarily need to claim it as wages either which is why we like to do both.

 

[Disnsyncey]

I've read that the EuroNet ATMs have a high fee. Does anyone know if they're well marked (so as to avoid them)?

I would just research which banks your bank is partnered with (like I know Deutsche Bank is with Bank of America among other ones), but if you always go inside the bank lobby those are guaranteed to not be Euronet

 

[Disnsyncey]

We get a great exchange rate through our bank with reduced exchange fees. I don’t have an ATM card so taking out money once we get there isn’t an option.

I guess that's your only option then, but for everyone else, if your bank doesn't have any fees for ATM withdrawals internationally, that is the BEST rate you will get.....and less hassle to have to pre convert before you leave the US

 

[Girl of the South]

Yes. Stick to ATMs associated with a foreign bank rather than ones owned by Travelex, etc. there are fees, and then there’s just unfavorable exchange rates involved.

BUT the thing is, if you are just pulling out $400, it’s really not going to “hurt” that much. And sometimes finding a bank ATM is difficult.

Also, when you buy things overseas, choose the local currency - pounds, euros- DON’T pick the option to pay in US Dollars. THEY get to pick the exchange rate.

Before the Euro, each country had its own currency. Belgium. France. The Netherlands. It was tough to kept track of BUT “charming” in a way??

 

[Disnsyncey]

Yes. Stick to ATMs associated with a foreign bank rather than ones owned by Travelex, etc. there are fees, and then there’s just unfavorable exchange rates involved.

BUT the thing is, if you are just pulling out $400, it’s really not going to “hurt” that much. And sometimes finding a bank ATM is difficult.

Also, when you buy things overseas, choose the local currency - pounds, euros- DON’T pick the option to pay in US Dollars. THEY get to pick the exchange rate.

Before the Euro, each country had its own currency. Belgium. France. The Netherlands. It was tough to kept track of BUT “charming” in a way??

Also keep in mind daily limits, we would pull a few hundred out a day to pay for a B&B that needed cash payment. If you were paying for a tour for a large family in cash you would need to stock up a few days. Defeats the purpose of not carrying a large amount from the US, but it's not that common for me.

It is very confusing when you're withdrawing money or charging a purchase when it asks you if you want the "dynamic currency conversion"? (I think that's what it is?) because sometimes they ask "are you sure you DON'T want the conversion?" but that goes for purchases AND ATMs

 

[DCLMP]

Even better, only get about 100 euro from the bank before you leave and then you can withdraw whatever you need from ATMs, as the rates from ATMs are better than any exchange you can get beforehand

You really don't a lot of cash. You can use a CC everywhere. I've done a European cruise and never taken out cash.

 

[dad of 3 addicted to DCL]

You really don't a lot of cash. You can use a CC everywhere. I've done a European cruise and never taken out cash.

Interesting. We're going to Vienna next month and everything I've been reading says most stores prefer cash, if they have to will take Visa, and AMEX is just a big no. I prefer cards - just easier.

 

[Flossbolna]

Interesting. We're going to Vienna next month and everything I've been reading says most stores prefer cash, if they have to will take Visa, and AMEX is just a big no. I prefer cards - just easier.

As with everything about Europe: this varies widely from country to country and then from store to store. Germany is still very „cash preferred“, but then there are a few small stores which only take cards.

 

[Confianza]

We are living a bit outside of Vienna. With Visa or Mastercard you should be fine in 99 percent of shops/restaurants/tourist attractions. Amex is accepted in maybe about 50 percent of stores/restaurants (Amex charges much higher fees to Shop owners in Austria, so Most will prefer Visa/Mastercard)…
You may need cash in smaller shops or at some less touristy attractions for low-priced tickets (some shops/attractions accept Credit cards only for payments of at least 10 to 15 EUR).

 

[Disnsyncey]

You really don't a lot of cash. You can use a CC everywhere. I've done a European cruise and never taken out cash.

not everywhere, but yes, CCs with no foreign transaction fees are the best way to go....

but you will definitely need cash if your tour guides only take cash or give an extreme discount for cash payment....and for your pre and post stays if the B&Bs you stay in need cash only then you will too....(but you will know that way in advance)

I would always aim to have some cash, if only to buy a bus ticket at a tabacchi in Italy....