Here is some information to help you deal with money and currency issues, both on shore and on board your ship.
Currencies & exchange rates
Local currencies vary with the regions where we travel:
• China uses the renminbi (RMB), whose basic unit is the yuan
• Egypt uses the Egyptian pound
• Most of Europe uses the euro, except for Hungary which uses the forint and the Czech Republic which uses the koruna
• Hong Kong uses the Hong Kong dollar
• Cambodia uses the riel
• Vietnam uses the dông
• Thailand uses the baht
• Israel uses the shekel
• Jordan uses the Jordanian dinar
• Russia uses the ruble
• Ukraine uses the hryvnia
Current exchange rates are available in the financial sections of newspapers and at: xe.com or CNN Money.
Exchanging currency or travelers checks
Unfortunately, your ship will not be able to change money for you or accept travelers checks for payment of your shipboard account. You may be able to change cash or travelers checks at some hotels, most banks and exchange bureaus for a fee.
In China:
Chinese law prohibits exchanging cash or travelers checks onboard your ship. To change Chinese currency back to U.S. dollars, euros or other currencies, you will need to provide all receipts and currency declarations. Because this process can be quite time-consuming, we suggest exchanging currency in smaller increments, as needed.
In Russia/Ukraine:
Russian and Ukrainian currency is regulated. Change your hard currency (U.S. dollars, euros, etc.) only at official exchange points and use only rubles or hryvnia as cash (by law, our ships cannot exchange cash or travelers checks for hryvnia). A fee will be charged. The local people will be happy to accept your dollars for tips, taxi rides and souvenirs, but it is technically not allowed.
Automated Teller Machines (ATMs)
ATMs are a good source of cash overseas; however, they may or may not be conveniently located in the larger cities and may be rare in smaller towns along the rivers. And, your itinerary may not always allow you sufficient time to locate one. Your Program Director or tour guide can probably help you.
When available, ATMs dispense local currency for internationally accepted ATM cards and/or credit cards, and have a service fee of approximately 3%. If you are planning to use ATMs, you should confirm with your bank prior to departure that your ATM/credit card and Personal Identification Number (PIN) will work abroad.
Credit cards
Euro card, MasterCard, Visa and American Express cards are accepted in all countries in major shops, restaurants and hotels as well as to settle your shipboard account. Before you depart, we recommend that you alert your credit card companies that you plan to use your card(s) on your trip as they will often refuse to honor credit cards if they notice irregular and/or overseas activity.
Please note: Credit cards with chip-based technology (or “chip and pin,” which require both a smart chip and entry of a PIN) have become increasingly common internationally. Unlike American cards with magnetic strips, these cards can be used at dispensing machines, such as train and transit ticket vending systems, and at restaurants where transactions are processed tableside with a handheld device. Please contact your credit card provider for further information.
Currency on board & your shipboard account
In China:
The onboard currency is the renminbi, whose basic unit is the yuan. All onboard purchases are billed with a guest check and added to your personal shipboard account. At the end of your trip, you may pay in cash (renminbi, U.S. dollars, euros or Swiss francs), or by credit card (your bill will be converted at the current exchange rate). The ship cannot accept travelers checks for payment of your shipboard account. Please review your shipboard bill upon checkout so that we can more easily assist you with any questions you may have. Note that all shipboard purchases will appear on your credit card statement as “CQ New Century Cruise.”
In Egypt:
Onboard purchases are billed with a guest check and added to your personal shipboard account. At the end of your trip, you may settle your account by credit card; your bill will be converted at the current exchange rate. The ship cannot accept travelers checks for payment of your shipboard account. Please review your shipboard bill carefully upon checkout so that shipboard personnel can assist you with any questions you may have at that time.
In Europe:
The onboard currency is the euro. All onboard purchases are billed with a guest check and added to your personal shipboard account. At the end of your trip, you may pay in cash (U.S. dollars or euros), or by credit card (your bill will be converted at the current exchange rate). Unfortunately, travelers checks cannot be used for payment of your shipboard account. Please review your shipboard bill upon checkout so that we can more easily assist with any questions you may have.
In Russia/Ukraine:
The onboard currency is the “unit,” an artificial currency aligned with the euro (1 unit = 1 euro). All onboard purchases are billed with a guest check and added to your personal shipboard account. At the end of your trip, you may pay in cash (rubles, U.S. dollars or euros), or by credit card (your bill will be converted at the current exchange rate). The ship cannot accept travelers checks for payment of your shipboard account. Please review your shipboard bill upon checkout so that we can more easily assist with any questions you may have.
Purchasing items
Many locations will accept travelers checks or credit cards. For incidentals and small vendors, you may be able to use the U.S. dollar in small denominations, but we recommend getting some local currency.
Customs
Many countries have laws against the purchase/export of certain items, including antiquities, cultural property and certain animal products. Additionally, U.S. laws prohibit the import of certain items. You can review current restrictions as well as duty free limits by clicking this link.
Value Added Tax (VAT)
Many countries have a national “sales tax” (called value added tax or VAT) that is levied on most goods and services. In some cases and with the proper documentation from the point of purchase, it is possible to have a portion of this tax refunded to you on items taken out of a country in unused condition. Depending upon flight schedules and timing, it may be possible to receive a refund by applying at the airport kiosk before departure.