Money Matters

Two separate bills will be issued:

• Shipboard account—payable by credit card or cash. One bill is issued by the ship, for drinks, items purchased from the onboard shop, and laundry. This shipboard account is in U.S. dollars and can be paid on the last day of the cruise with local currency, U.S. dollars, or an American Express, MasterCard, or Visa credit card. Personal checks are not accepted aboard ship, nor is the Discover credit card.
• GCT issues a separate bill—payable by credit card only. This bill is for optional tours you purchased.

Please note: Optional tour and shipboard account payments made by credit card may take up to 3 months to process. For this reason we ask that you use a credit card that will not expire until three months following your trip. Also, please note that debit cards, including debit cards with credit card functionality (i.e. those with a Visa, MasterCard, etc. logo) cannot be used for payment onboard or for optional tour payment.

Exchange services: Onboard services for foreign currency exchange are limited. Small amounts of up to $50 may be exchanged, but not larger sums. You can exchange larger amounts at local banks in port towns.

How to Carry Your Money

Traveler's checks—not recommended: We urge you not to rely on traveler's checks for your personal expenses. They can be difficult to exchange and the commission fee for cashing them is quite high. It's most practical to view any traveler's checks you might bring as a last "cash" resort in the event of a special situation.

U.S. dollars have an advantage. Cash is more readily exchanged and accepted than traveler's checks, and sometimes commands a better exchange rate. You might also consider using a debit card, another reliable payment method.

There is no need to obtain local currency before your trip. You can change money at banks, most hotels, and money exchange offices (to exchange cash you may be asked to show your passport). Please note that torn, dirty, or taped bills may not be accepted.

ATMs
When traveling, typically PLUS, Cirrus, and other bank networks are available throughout large cities and small towns. Always notify your bank before you leave home that you are going abroad so that they may remove any blocks on your account and also ask them about the number of withdrawals you may make abroad. For cash withdrawals, don't forget to memorize the actual digits of your card's 4-digit PIN (Personal Identification Number), as many keypads at foreign ATMs do not include letters on their numeric keys, they only display digits.

Note on ATM use: Many banks have begun imposing a fee ranging from $1 to $5 every time you use an ATM in a foreign city. You may want to limit the number of withdrawals that you make. Your Program Director/Hospitality Desk Representative can advise you on locations, but when to exchange money is left to your discretion.

Credit Cards
Though major American credit cards (American Express, Visa, and MasterCard) are accepted abroad, always inquire if your type of credit card is accepted before deciding on your purchase. It is also wise to notify the credit card company that you will be using your cards abroad so that they may remove any security block. When using a major credit card you may receive a different exchange rate than if you pay with cash; inquire about the rate first. Please be aware that credit cards might not be accepted for small purchases or in the markets. Discover credit card does not operate outside the U.S. Keep your receipts in case you have questions about the conversion or exchange rate. Also, keep your receipts as proof of purchase for items to be shipped home.

Currency
The euro is the official currency in the countries you visit during your cruise, with the exception of Switzerland. Euro banknote and coin denominations are as follows:
* banknotes: 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, and 500
* coins: 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, and 50 cents; 1 and 2 euro

Currency exchange rates fluctuate daily. Your Program Director will advise you of the exchange rate upon your arrival.