$2 bills

[Jay12]

I want to bring along some $2 bills for tips. Do banks carry these regularly? Can I get crisp $2 bills from the bank anytime, etc? I know it is probably a stupid question .....but you don't see too many in circulation. Thanks

[Donna]

Hi Jay,
I think they stopped making them, but check your bank, there may still be some around, I have heard that the "crew" does get a kick out of them, good luck in your search.

($2.00 bills) :-)

[Jay12]

Actually the $ 2bill is still in circulation and is still being produced.....so at least I know they are out there... just hard to get ahold of.

I took them on our last cruise. I had to order them from the bank. It only took a couple of days for them to arrive, but this meant two trips to the bank. I might have been able to call in the order though and saved that first trip. The 2's really came in handy - easier and less bulky than carrying a bunch of ones.

[SRobinM]

I used to be a bank teller. Banks order currency usually once a week. If you call and make a special order for your currency they can get you whatever you want. If you have a branch you usually go to they will be more likely to get you what you want. You might have to get them in a large quantity though.

[Jay12]

I just wanted to say that the $2 bills were a success with our cabin steward, luggage handlers, etc. The one problem was in Antigua when a lady selling a sarong would not accept it from my wife when she gave the woman a $5 and the $2 bill.

Jay

[BJ]

What a great idea. Thanks for the insight.

I too really liked the idea of $2 bills - cute and memorable. However, I learned that in many places the crew cannot spend them. They look funny and nobody wants to take the risk of counterfeit money. I also thought $1 coins would be cool, but same thing - goofy looking money seems suspicious.

I guess I'll be sticking with normal ol' American currency. I just hope I can adjust to the new colored bills...

[Thomas]

I've used $2 bills in the past and picked them up at the bank, although they had a limited amount. But I think so many people are doing this now the novelty of it has worn off for the ship's personnel. I've noticed the last two cruises I've taken that when I handed the bartender a $2 bill he looked at it and said thank you and put it in his jar as though I had handed him 2 single bills. They didn't seem interested at all.

Next time I'm saving the trip to the bank and just taking singles.

Regards,
Thomas