Money exchange question

[dmacdots]

I will be cruising the Greek Isles from Venice on Oct.1st. Trying to get ready ahead of time so I'm not rushing! I've been told that we should exchange money before the cruise. Is this necessary? Plus if we use credit cards is there an exchange fee when charge is being processed?

thank you!

[Marc]

I would wait until you landed in Venice and hit the ATM for Euros; best exchange rate you will get.

[sergej]

>>I've been told that we should exchange money before the cruise. Is this necessary?
It is a very gut Idea.
In Venice you would oft need cash. Euro.

But maybe you can spare 2 or even 3 USD if you find some Bank Automat
in Venice.

>>Plus if we use credit cards is there an exchange fee when charge is being processed?
that depends of your card , ask them or read once more your credit card contract.

Not you but shop must pay Credit Card companies 4- 5 % , so I think they hate
all credit card companies, But most shops would accsept Visa , master card.

[Kuki]

Originally Posted by dmacdots

I will be cruising the Greek Isles from Venice on Oct.1st. Trying to get ready ahead of time so I'm not rushing! I've been told that we should exchange money before the cruise. Is this necessary? Plus if we use credit cards is there an exchange fee when charge is being processed?

thank you!

You'll have to check with your specific credit card company; some do charge a foreign exchange fee, some do not.

Using bank ATMs is the best, and least costly means of exchanging foreign currency.

[dmacdots]

thank you so much for the advice! seems ATMs are the way to go. I've already told my bank that I will be traveling and it's now noted on my account. So, I can just use my VISA or MC Debit Card at the ATMs I find in Venice? Greece too?

[dmacdots]

thank you for the reply. I appreciate it!

[dmacdots]

Mark...thank you. Now I am going to sound ignorant...but what is the currency in Greece? do you know? Euros I am thinking???

[sergej]

>>Using bank ATMs is the best, and least costly means of exchanging foreign currency.

It can be rthe bset if one spend all his euro money in Europe.

Othewise one must shange the rest sum in USD and there is no way to do it
without 3-4 % fee. Coins to change is not so simple.

So the best way is not to buy all that toursit stuff or pay with credit card if possible

[Marc]

Originally Posted by dmacdots

Mark...thank you. Now I am going to sound ignorant...but what is the currency in Greece? do you know? Euros I am thinking???

As of today, Euros. I will give "even money" that it is still Euro a year from now. BTW, old Drachma are still longer usable; I believe they all had to be turned in a couple of years ago.

It is interesting that you can spend Euros in tourist areas of Turkey even thogh they are not part of the EU or the Euro-zone and have their own Turkish Lira.

[sergej]

>>even thogh they are not part of the EU or the Euro-zone and have their own Turkish >>Lira.


That is right .
one can pay Euro in Turkey too, maybe in 90% cases.

but Not to forget
one can NOT change Turkish llira into USD or in Euro in any euro country
(of course no problem to buy and sell Turkey Lira in turkey).

So if one pay Euro in Tukey it would be in 90% assepted but one get the change in Lira.

And if one bring Lira to ship or in any other county there is no way to
get change it into USD or Euro.

So the best way is to use Kredit card if possible

[rayb]

I sugest you use DISCOVER card. They do not charge a fee for the exchange. VISA does charge. about 3%