Most Cruise Ships Do Have ATM’s – But There Maybe Better Options Available

If you are taking a cruise, you might be wondering how you can exchange money onboard and if this is the best thing to do.

I’ve been on a number of cruises and have tried almost all methods of money exchange at some point.

Some methods are costly, but there are a number of things you can do to save money

Can you exchange money on a cruise ship?

You can exchange money on cruise ships. Most cruise lines will have ATM machines onboard for guests to use and currency exchanges.

The exchange rates are often unfavourable for the guests, but exchanging money on a cruise ship is often the easiest option.

There are a number of things you can do to reduce the cost of your currency conversion.

Why Shouldn’t You Exchange Money on a Cruise Ship?

Not all Ships Have Currency Exchanges

Relying on cruise ships to have an exchange onboard for you to exchange your money is a bad idea.

Most of the larger new cruise ships will have currency exchanges on board, but not all ships do.

They may also be closed a lot of the time, and trying to exchange money at a currency exchange on board isn’t always the most convenient.

Smaller cruise lines may not have any money exchange options onboard at all, so don’t rely on the ship to have one.

Limited Currency at Currency Exchanges

Currency exchanges on cruise ships will have a limited amount of money available to them, and they will only have limited currencies that they can provide.

This means that the ship may run out of smaller notes or may be completely unable to complete your exchange if they don’t have the amount that you need.

Bad exchange rates at currency exchanges and ATMs

Generally speaking, the exchange rates on cruise ships aren’t as competitive as you’d find on land.

I like to download a currency converter app when I travel to keep an eye on the rate and compare this to the rate offered by anywhere offering an exchange.

The currency exchange rate offered by onboard ATMs is often even worse as it may have been set quite a bit before the cruise takes place.

ATM machines on cruise ships very rarely have accurate and up-to-date exchange rates.

Use Chip and Pin, Not A Signature

ATMs on cruise ships usually require a chip and pin card with a 4-number pin.

Four-number pins are standard within most of Europe, but people from some parts of the world, particularly the US, still have cards that require a signature.

It’s unlikely that the ATM onboard could accommodate this, but the currency exchange might.

Either way, if it is possible to get a chip and pin card before your cruise, I’d strongly recommend that you do it.

Cruise Ship ATM’s Charge Fees

ATM machines on cruise ships will often charge a hefty fee to withdraw money in addition to the poor currency exchange rate offered.

This can sometimes be as much as $5 or $10 per transaction.

If you do find that you must use onboard ATMs, it’s usually better to take out a greater amount of money than make multiple smaller transactions.

Better Options…

Exchange Currency Before You Leave

By far the best option is to change your currency before you leave for your cruise.

Doing it like this means that you have time to shop around and find out which currency exchange local to you has the best exchange rate. I tend to find my local supermarket is an easy place to get great exchange rates.

The problem with this approach is that you have to carry the cash with you which some people don’t like to do.

It all depends on how much money you are planning on taking with you on the cruise.

I travel very light – and the same goes for carrying local currency. I generally only take a little bit of physical cash but charge most things to my bank or credit cards.

This guide will help you to work out how much cash you will need for your cruise, including budgeting for things like transport, entertainment, and food:

This is How Much Cash You Should Bring on a Cruise (Onboard & Ashore)

Convert Currency on Land

Another good option is to exchange your money in currency exchange shops in the port that you are visiting.

Generally speaking the most convenient shops right by the cruise ships will have the worse rates and if you want to secure the best rate it’s usually a good idea to take a short walk into town.

Again, having a currency app downloaded to your phone can make it easier to know if the rate being offered is good or not.

Spend On Cards (Using Cards With No Transaction Fees)

My favourite way to spend money when on a cruise is by using a credit or debit card.

It’s worth doing your research into cards before you travel in order to find one with little or no transaction fees on foreign currency.

It is always worth having some small notes or coins for things when you travel but in most cruise ports you’ll be able to use your cards without too much trouble.

In most European ports it easy to use a credit or debit card in local shops and on public transport. Many places actually prefer you to use cards rather than cash.

I’ve been on complete cruises where I’ve never actually used any cash at all !

One occasion when I did need some physical local currency was when I took a European River Cruise! Find out why here:

ATM’s on land

Another good option is to find an ATM in the ports that you are visiting. It’s worth checking before committing to withdraw money if there will be a charge for doing so.

On most card machines when you enter your card it’ll let you know about the charge and ask if you want to go ahead.

The ATMs in cruise ports and shopping centres tend to charge more than regular ATMs in the town centre.

The safest option is always to try and find a bank and use their ATM. Almost all ATMs will have an English option so make sure you don’t miss pressing that button!

Find out more great tips for going on shore at ports here:

Getting Off The Cruise Ship in Port – What To Expect, What To Take – And Other Useful Hints and Tips For A Successful Day Out!

Before You Go

Discover how to plan your perfect cruise here:

Ready to Set Sail? Discover the Secrets to Planning the Perfect Cruise

Find out why cruises are fantastic for nervous travellers here:

Why Cruises Are Perfect for Nervous First-Time Travellers