June 8, 2011 – Mediterranean

[nvcruiser]

Don't they charge a fee for international use?

 

[mehaul]

Don't they charge a fee for international use?

The bank that owns the ATM machine will likely charge a fee, but it's not a percentage, it will be a flat fee of $1.50-$3. This will still be at a better rate that you will get elsewhere. The ships exchange rates weren't terrible, but you will do better with ATM's

A qualifier to all this is how much currency you're going to need. To kill yourself to save 2 or 3% may not be worth it.

For example if you plan to spend $1000 US Dollars, if you over pay by 5% you're only talking $50 extra.

 

[Joan1]

Don't they charge a fee for international use?

Check with your bank to see if they have any affiliation with banks in Europe if they do and if you use those banks you won't get charged the ATM fee for withdrawing money.

 

[mehaul]

Check with your bank to see if they have any affiliation with banks in Europe if they do and if you use those banks you won't get charged the ATM fee for withdrawing money.

Unfortunately there are 2 fees to be wary of, your banks fees and the local banks fees. It's easy to avoid your banks fees, but I don't know of a sure fire way to avoid the local international banks fees. Do you?

 

[Joan1]

Unfortunately there are 2 fees to be wary of, your banks fees and the local banks fees. It's easy to avoid your banks fees, but I don't know of a sure fire way to avoid the local international banks fees. Do you?

Yes if your bank has affiliations, global alliance, with banks in other countries they do not charge the ATM withdrawl fees on either end. For example. I bank with Bank of America and if I use the ATM in Italy for BNL D'Italia bank, the BNP banks in France and the Barclay banks in the UK there are no ATM fees

It states that I have to use that bank in that country. For example, I cannot use a Barclay's bank in Italy, well I can but will be charged the ATM fees. If I use the Barclay's banks in the UK there aren't any ATM fees involved. They aren't affiliated with any banks in Spain or Malta. We are purchasing some euros from our bank directly to cover Malta and Spain. No ATM fees involved

Here is what our bank allows

https://www5.bankofamerica.com/search/Search.do?questionbox=Global+Alliance&locale=en_US&searchSourceSite=dotcom&searchSourceDir=homepage+overview&searchSourceReferer=searchresultspage


I have read other posts where people are opening up Capital one accounts since they don't charge international fees. I haven't looked into it but if I remember correctly one of the options was opening up a credit union type of account and then use the capital one card like your regular bank ATM card.

 

[nvcruiser]

I decided I'd better research some more and found that there is a currency exchange at the Barcelona Airport (http://www.barcelona-tourist-guide....t1/bureau-de-change-barcelona-airport-t1.html), so I think I'll probably exchange the bulk of my cash there and then if I happen to need more, will use guest services onboard! Also, apparently my hotel has some kind of a cash exchange too... hmmm. Whew! One less thing to worry about!

 

[ga9497]

I decided I'd better research some more and found that there is a currency exchange at the Barcelona Airport (http://www.barcelona-tourist-guide....t1/bureau-de-change-barcelona-airport-t1.html), so I think I'll probably exchange the bulk of my cash there and then if I happen to need more, will use guest services onboard! Also, apparently my hotel has some kind of a cash exchange too... hmmm. Whew! One less thing to worry about!

NO!!!! the currency exchange booths at the airports give the worst possible exchange rate
Hotel exchange rates aren't much better
If you have an ATM card use it at the ATM in the airport much better exchange rate

Here are some links for your review
http://www.ehow.com/way_5138761_way-exchange-money-europe.html
http://www.ricksteves.com/plan/tips/moneytip.htm

 

[pxlbarrel]

Either things have changed a lot and I've been left behind but it used to always be that the best exchange rate was at the bank ... BEFORE you left home. The worst possible place to exchange is at the currency exchange booths in the airport.

Now, I know the exchange rates are supposed to be good at the ATM machines but the fees they charge may negate the good exchange rate. You really have to figure out how much to take out to make it worth your while.

I've always exchanged money at home before leaving on vacation and I use the ATM machines in case I run out of cash. I got a pretty good rate at my bank. And since I'm not exchanging thousands of dollars, the few percentage points either way, isn't really going to hurt. That's my opinion ... though, like I said, maybe I'm really old fashion about it.

 

[Joan1]

Either things have changed a lot and I've been left behind but it used to always be that the best exchange rate was at the bank ... BEFORE you left home. The worst possible place to exchange is at the currency exchange booths in the airport.

Now, I know the exchange rates are supposed to be good at the ATM machines but the fees they charge may negate the good exchange rate. You really have to figure out how much to take out to make it worth your while.

I've always exchanged money at home before leaving on vacation and I use the ATM machines in case I run out of cash. I got a pretty good rate at my bank. And since I'm not exchanging thousands of dollars, the few percentage points either way, isn't really going to hurt. That's my opinion ... though, like I said, maybe I'm really old fashion about it.

Not sure when you travelled to Europe last but ATM's have been giving the best rates that is if you have a bank that doesn't charge you fees.
Also some people are not comfortable carrying alot of cash.

For those of you that cannot purchase euros before leaving home for whatever reason try places like WellsFargo.com or American Express. They both offer euros purchased online or over the phone. They do charge a fee to ship the euros probably because they have to send them Fed Ex and require a signature. Check with your bank online to see if you can order them through the bank you have

To give you an example Bank of America will also issue euros and ship them to you. If you have a local bank and bank with them you can get them at most brances. Today's rates are 1.5314 through Bank of America. Down from 1.583 yesterday

Shop around and see who has the best option as far as shipping costs
Some locations will waive the shipping cost if you are exchanging at least $1000

Wells Fargo is charging $12
Bank of America 7.50

Another option is travelex they can either ship it to your home for $9.99 or you can pick it up at a location close to you if available for no fee

 

[mehaul]

Yes if your bank has affiliations, global alliance, with banks in other countries they do not charge the ATM withdrawl fees on either end. For example. I bank with Bank of America and if I use the ATM in Italy for BNL D'Italia bank, the BNP banks in France and the Barclay banks in the UK there are no ATM fees

It states that I have to use that bank in that country. For example, I cannot use a Barclay's bank in Italy, well I can but will be charged the ATM fees. If I use the Barclay's banks in the UK there aren't any ATM fees involved. They aren't affiliated with any banks in Spain or Malta. We are purchasing some euros from our bank directly to cover Malta and Spain. No ATM fees involved

Here is what our bank allows

https://www5.bankofamerica.com/search/Search.do?questionbox=Global+Alliance&locale=en_US&searchSourceSite=dotcom&searchSourceDir=homepage+overview&searchSourceReferer=searchresultspage


I have read other posts where people are opening up Capital one accounts since they don't charge international fees. I haven't looked into it but if I remember correctly one of the options was opening up a credit union type of account and then use the capital one card like your regular bank ATM card.

Thanks for that info.

As far as Credit card international fees. Several cards have waived them recently. Amex platinum and several Chase cards including their premier rewards marriott. The normal fees are 3%. I figure if your going to charge $3,000 or more ($90 savings) it's work getting a capital one account. If you're spending less than that I don't think it's worth the hassle of another credit line.

I found this overview of fees

http://flyerguide.com/wiki/index.php/Credit/Debit/ATM_Cards_and_Foreign_Exchange

 

[pxlbarrel]

Not sure when you travelled to Europe last but ATM's have been giving the best rates that is if you have a bank that doesn't charge you fees.
Also some people are not comfortable carrying alot of cash.

I was in London a little over a year ago and Paris a year before that... when the exchange rates were really, really bad. My bank will charge fees for using the ATM that's not theirs... so if I decide to get some Euros or GBP out of the ATM, I have to get a lot to make the fees worthwhile.

I don't get charged a fee, though, when I get it from my bank branch. The exchange rate, I figured out, was about 2 percentage points off the actual exchange rate.... standard exchange.

It is a bit ... worrisome to be carrying a lot of cash ... which is why I didn't actually change too much money this time. We're on the DCL excursions so some of the food is already taken care of so all I have to worry about are incidental snacks, souvenirs and tip money. I figured I could also leave some of the cash onboard the ship and only take what I thought I would need for the excursion.

If I have to, I will bite the bullet and use my credit card and suffer the ridiculous foreign exchange fees they add onto their already ridiculous exchange rate. The only solace from that is that I'll get some frequent flyer points. LOL

One month from now, I'll be getting ready to do online check in for our flight to Barcelona!!!!!! I'm already putting little piles of stuff together so I don't forget to pack 'em.

 

[kittb]

I have a few questions .... things I know my little boy likes to know to get him even more excited about the trip ..... Theres definitely a Pirate night? Will there be fireworks - they came up with a feeble excuse about not having one on the Baltic cruise. And how can we find out what movies will be showing? What kind of things have changed on board - there are Wave phones now I think, how about ipod dock type things in the room? I'm a bit freaked out on the plane luggage allowance thing ... partly getting everything packed and partly how to maneouvere two small children, all those cases, a buggy etc etc. I'll need a holiday!
Thanks

 

[Zoom]

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY TO ALL THE MOMS OUT HERE! ENJOY YOUR SPECIAL DAY!

 

[mickymania]

ONE MONTH TODAY!!!!!!

 

[Tod&Copper]

ONE MONTH TODAY!!!!!!

4 WEEKS TODAY

 

[pxlbarrel]

Hmmm...they had two earthquakes in Spain today. Anybody know where they were in relation to Barcelona?

 

[chris44]

I believe the quake was near Lorca, which is on the coast, but it is southwest of Barcelona. Not sure how many miles it is from Barcelona, but it looks like it's a fair distance.

 

[mickymania]

It has been a few years since our last cruise and I thought I would delve into a sensitive area.....dinner attire. On the cruise casual nights, are non-denim capri's appropriate?

 

[WanderGirl]

Hi all,
I'm new to Disboards but not to Disney (ex CM), and I just booked myself on this cruise. Needless to say, but I'm brimming with excitement!!

I have a couple of questions, and I'm thinking the more experienced among you will probably be able to help me out, but if not I shall continue my search for information..

I've booked Disney transfers from the Airport to the Port, but my arrival flight time is 12h45 at this time - my check in is telling me that this 'might be too late to reach the port' and yet the information on the site says that the latest recommended flight arrival is 13h15.. will I be ok leaving the flight as it is, or would you recommend changing the flight to an earlier arrival? It's not too big of a deal changing the flight, but I'd rather not..

How do the Disney transfers work? I'm assuming people will be waiting for me once I get off the flight and clear customs?

I'm a solo traveller for this cruise (nobody else could afford it, but I'm currently living in Paris so the cost wasn't too bad for me) - does anybody have any advice for solo travellers such as myself?

Also, if anybody would like information on Paris/transportation/DLP, I'm quite familiar with the area, so please feel free to PM me with questions should you be planning a pre or post cruise trip to the beautiful city of lights!!

My thanks in advance for your reading this and any help you might be able to give me!
Ebz.

 

[mickymania]

Hi all,
I'm new to Disboards but not to Disney (ex CM), and I just booked myself on this cruise. Needless to say, but I'm brimming with excitement!!

I have a couple of questions, and I'm thinking the more experienced among you will probably be able to help me out, but if not I shall continue my search for information..

I've booked Disney transfers from the Airport to the Port, but my arrival flight time is 12h45 at this time - my check in is telling me that this 'might be too late to reach the port' and yet the information on the site says that the latest recommended flight arrival is 13h15.. will I be ok leaving the flight as it is, or would you recommend changing the flight to an earlier arrival? It's not too big of a deal changing the flight, but I'd rather not..

How do the Disney transfers work? I'm assuming people will be waiting for me once I get off the flight and clear customs?

I'm a solo traveller for this cruise (nobody else could afford it, but I'm currently living in Paris so the cost wasn't too bad for me) - does anybody have any advice for solo travellers such as myself?
Also, if anybody would like information on Paris/transportation/DLP, I'm quite familiar with the area, so please feel free to PM me with questions should you be planning a pre or post cruise trip to the beautiful city of lights!!

My thanks in advance for your reading this and any help you might be able to give me!
Ebz.

We are excited to have you on board. To your question of your flight, it is mostly up to your comfort level. We are flying in earlier that morning and I am very nervous about it, but that is partially because it is an overseas flight and I have had bad luck with luggage in the past. We have also booked DCL transportation and my understanding is that they wait in the baggage claim area but someone else might have more specifics. Good luck!