Foreign Currency Exchange and Tipping Guidelines?

[MinnieMomMe]

We are on the Iceland-Norway cruise leaving June 17 and I was wondering where the best place would be to purchase foreign currency before we leave the US. We can get British pounds from an ATM once we land in Heathrow, but I'm looking to get some euros and Icelandic kronas beforehand.
We have booked two private (with guide) jeep excursions in Iceland, a private driver (no guide) in Newcastle and a private driver (no guide) in Kirkwall. I'd like to have foreign currency for tips. I'm not sure what the tipping etiquette is in these countries so advice on how much to tip is also greatly appreciated. One of our tours in Iceland is all day. Is it appropriate to offer to pay for our guides meals? Thank you!!

 

[PrincessShmoo]

We are on the Iceland-Norway cruise leaving June 17 and I was wondering where the best place would be to purchase foreign currency before we leave the US. We can get British pounds from an ATM once we land in Heathrow, but I'm looking to get some euros and Icelandic kronas beforehand.
We have booked two private (with guide) jeep excursions in Iceland, a private driver (no guide) in Newcastle and a private driver (no guide) in Kirkwall. I'd like to have foreign currency for tips. I'm not sure what the tipping etiquette is in these countries so advice on how much to tip is also greatly appreciated. One of our tours in Iceland is all day. Is it appropriate to offer to pay for our guides meals? Thank you!!

We've pre-purchased foreign currency for various trips from our bank. As well as AAA.

 

[DISNEY FANTASY]

We are on the Iceland-Norway cruise leaving June 17 and I was wondering where the best place would be to purchase foreign currency before we leave the US. We can get British pounds from an ATM once we land in Heathrow, but I'm looking to get some euros and Icelandic kronas beforehand.
We have booked two private (with guide) jeep excursions in Iceland, a private driver (no guide) in Newcastle and a private driver (no guide) in Kirkwall. I'd like to have foreign currency for tips. I'm not sure what the tipping etiquette is in these countries so advice on how much to tip is also greatly appreciated. One of our tours in Iceland is all day. Is it appropriate to offer to pay for our guides meals? Thank you!!

In the UK, The Post office has good exchange rates in major branches. Do not buy at airports they are rip off rates. Banks you tend to have to order in currency other then euros and $, ATMs are good in all of Europe. Care most ATMs are free but in airports some gave high fees, do check.
Again do not get currency on the ship, it's at a company rate and not a good exchange rate.

Note.
UK, has a EU referendum on 23rd June, where the exit and stay sides are currently both at 41%, others are do not know. Expect a lot of volatility in the £ up to then, it can go either way, and post 23rd on a leave vote a lot of volatility throughout Europe.



I have paid for guide meals before, but in Iceland I plan to have snacks rather then full meals. Our cruise is on 13/7 and in the opposite direction to you.

 

[Flossbolna]

We are on the Iceland-Norway cruise leaving June 17 and I was wondering where the best place would be to purchase foreign currency before we leave the US. We can get British pounds from an ATM once we land in Heathrow, but I'm looking to get some euros and Icelandic kronas beforehand.
We have booked two private (with guide) jeep excursions in Iceland, a private driver (no guide) in Newcastle and a private driver (no guide) in Kirkwall. I'd like to have foreign currency for tips. I'm not sure what the tipping etiquette is in these countries so advice on how much to tip is also greatly appreciated. One of our tours in Iceland is all day. Is it appropriate to offer to pay for our guides meals? Thank you!!

As far as I see it, this cruise does not go to a Euro-Zone country. Norway has the Norwegian Krone, Denmark the Danish Krone. I am sure it will be appreciated if you make the effort to get local currency for tips. But if you were think of giving Euros instead of the country's currency (which I don't think you did as you were planning on getting Icelandic currency), then you can also tip in Dollars as they would have to exchange the money anyway.

You could always ask the guide to stop at an ATM in each country to pick up a small amount of local currency.

 

[MinnieMomMe]

As far as I see it, this cruise does not go to a Euro-Zone country. Norway has the Norwegian Krone, Denmark the Danish Krone. I am sure it will be appreciated if you make the effort to get local currency for tips. But if you were think of giving Euros instead of the country's currency (which I don't think you did as you were planning on getting Icelandic currency), then you can also tip in Dollars as they would have to exchange the money anyway.

You could always ask the guide to stop at an ATM in each country to pick up a small amount of local currency.

Thank you, we are going to Ireland at the end of our trip and they are euros. I got confused and thought Scotland was euros too but I realize now they are British pounds so I can get them when I'm in London. We are visiting six countries with five different currencies so I'm struggling to keep it all straight!!

 

[Jodisneyfan]

HI I am from Europe and getting money from an ATM is the easiest en cheapest way to get a little amount of money. But do not use your credit card. You do not need a lot of money because tipping is not common. Although if people hear you are from the states they expect tip ( and a lot!) At a restaurant check the bill, mostly the tip (service) is included. In a restaurant or bar, or cab we mostly round up to a rounded number. If you are happy with the service you can give a tip, but not tipping does not mean you are not happy!! Remember in Europe people are getting paid very well and do not depend on the tip.... Have a great journey!!

 

[coloradocutie]

As mentioned above, AAA does offer "tip packs" of foreign currency equivalent to $100 to hold you over for any tips you might need prior to making it to an ATM.
Enjoy your cruise!!!

 

[linetbo]

In the UK, The Post office has good exchange rates in major branches. Do not buy at airports they are rip off rates. Banks you tend to have to order in currency other then euros and $, ATMs are good in all of Europe. Care most ATMs are free but in airports some gave high fees, do check.
Again do not get currency on the ship, it's at a company rate and not a good exchange rate.

Note.
UK, has a EU referendum on 23rd June, where the exit and stay sides are currently both at 41%, others are do not know. Expect a lot of volatility in the £ up to then, it can go either way, and post 23rd on a leave vote a lot of volatility throughout Europe.

View attachment 173408

I have paid for guide meals before, but in Iceland I plan to have snacks rather then full meals. Our cruise is on 13/7 and in the opposite direction to you.

Which currency did you tip in St Petersburg?

 

[DISNEY FANTASY]

Which currency did you tip in St Petersburg?

I used a mixture,

Local Russain rubels.
And
USA $ new notes, not largest bills.

 

[linetbo]

I used a mixture,

Local Russain rubels.
And
USA $ new notes, not largest bills.

Thank you!