![]() ![]() Most Northern European countries, as well as Japan, Australia and New Zealand, frown on haggling. Whether you can bargain down a price depends both on where you are and the type of shop you're in. (Credit card authorizations using only the swipe of a magnetic strip and your signature often won't work.) Can I haggle over a price? ![]() Usually the more expensive and fancy the shop, the more likely they are to accept plastic.īe aware that, in many European countries, you'll either need to use a debit card with a four-digit pin or a credit card with a chip and pin combination. While most boutiques, art galleries and duty-free stores accept credit cards for payment, you will probably need to pay cash if you're buying souvenirs from a market stall. Will vendors and store owners accept credit cards? In some ports, banks are another option for exchanging your currency. Some ships have currency exchanges onboard, although you shouldn't count on it. Keep in mind that you'll likely pay a service fee, and the rate of exchange might be less favorable. It's also a good idea to alert your bank that you're traveling otherwise, it might freeze your ATM card if you try to withdraw money from a foreign bank.Īnother option is to change your dollars at a currency exchange. Before you leave, find out if your bank or credit card charges international withdrawal fees although most do, you can find some that don't. Cruise Critic port guides tell you where you can find machines close to the ship. The easiest place to get money is from an ATM, which usually accepts debit and credit cards and offers a better exchange rate than a currency exchange office. Your daily cruise planner will generally let you know what the official currency is in each port of call. If you do pay in dollars, expect to get your change back in local currency. You'll get more for your money if you use local currency, as the conversion rates will be more favorable. dollars (or euros or British pounds) in Europe, they typically will not accept dollars. In some Caribbean, Asian and Middle Eastern countries, as well as Mexico, vendors will accept U.S. Activity-oriented excursions like water sports, boat rides or ATV adventures may not have shopping time built into the schedule, but in most cases you will still have time following the excursion to explore shopping near the port on your own before all-aboard. In some ports, you can even book a shopping-specific tour. Yes, most sightseeing-type shore tours include free time for shopping. If I book an excursion with the cruise line, will I still have time for shopping? Just remember that airlines won't let you carry on liquids, so be prepared to pack away any wine or liquor you purchase prior to a flight home. ![]() Good places to find these include the port's or destination's website or the Cruise Critic forums.Īnd don't forget grocery stores! Besides allowing you to learn about the regional food habits, grocery stores usually have local candies, cakes, cookies, canned goods and beverages (including beers and wines) that make nice souvenirs for the folks back home (at lower prices than you'll find in an airport). We also like to seek out local artisans at markets, street fairs or galleries. ![]() If you're going for something a little more authentic or locally produced, savvy shoppers seek out port guides (from independent sources like Cruise Critic, not the shopping guides issued by the ship) for information about where to find souvenirs that best reflect the destination. If you're seeking typical mass-produced T-shirts, mugs, postcards and gift items, you won't have to look far. Major destinations in the Caribbean and Alaska often have entire blocks of stores selling souvenirs and duty-free items. Where are the best places to go shopping in port?Īlmost all cruise ports have shopping areas nearby that are geared to tourists some even have souvenir shops within the terminals. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |