Cash or ATM?

[NancyN]

Another European Cruise Question. As I prepare for this trip, just wondered if anybody could share their opinion on whether to bring cash (or travelers checks) or use an ATM machine while in port? Which is a better deal from an exhange rate point of view?
Nancy
Baltic Cruise on Century

[Oggy Boy]

Nancy, I would lean towards using an ATM. After an experience where a gentleman in one of my groups came down ill with no insurance, the harsh reality of being able to put my hands on some cash fast gained importance. I use a debit card with a substantial amount of cash nehind it...'Just in case".

You will get the best exchange rates at an ATM and be able to access funds in whatever the local currency is in the amount that you need it.

Tom

[susanmaz]

According to Rick Steves (Travels in Europe) - - it is always better to use either the ATM or your credit card. "Now ATM cards and debit cards offer better ways to convert your dollars into European currency.
" www.ricksteves.com

I find it is also much easier to use an ATM when leaning towards it rather than away from it.

[NancyN]

Thanks for the quick response everyone - that was sort of what I suspected, but just needed some affirmation - THANKS!
Nancy

[swimmersonboard]

David,
I think you need a stand up comedy show. I laugh everytime I read your posts and I'm not much into comedy.

Gee, Thank You for the kind remarks! Have you ever seen a grown man cry? The last time I saw one was when Joanie found out I was going on a cruise she was hosting, and she made Tom switch with her. Kind remarks are few, almost never. The last time someone said a nice comment to me was on the last cruise, when Tom offered to pay 5 fellow cruisers to give me a compliment, but only one took him up on the offer. As for stand up comedy, well, I won first place at the Unprov, $100. I immediately bought everyone a round. It cost $257. So I had to pay. Thank YOu again!

David Landry

[NancyN]

David,
Fess up - how much did Tom have to pay someone to give you the compliment? And was it worth it?

I believe it was 6 bars of Baby Ruth and a bowl of prunes. And yes! Anytime someone talks to me, even about me, I feel proud. And when I walk, through a storm I hold my head up high, for you'll never walk alone... ooops thats a song I heard on the cruise.

David LAndry