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Paying in US dollars



 
 
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  #11  
Old April 16th, 2007, 08:49 AM posted to rec.travel.cruises
speckled hen
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Posts: 5
Default Paying in US dollars

On Apr 15, 11:23 pm, Rosalie B. wrote:
Capt Mary Kidd wrote:





The message
from Rosalie B. contains these words:


"Leland F. Dumas" wrote:


When I used an ATM in London last fall I was charged a "Conversion
fee" also
by Visa. I think it was only 1% though.


I have been calling my different credit cards to check on this. One
VISA, a debit card and one Mastercard charges 1% my AmExp charges 2%
another VISA and one Mastercard charges 3%. Guess which ones I'm
going to take?


To make a fair comparison you should have asked what exchange rate they
were charging at that time. If they all gave you the exact same rate
then of course you would take the 1% one, but that may not be the
cheapest overall if the others have a better exchange rate.


When I called all the cards, I asked them what they would charge for
transitioning between Bahamian or Bermudan $$ and US$$ and that's what
they said they would charge. There is NO DIFFERENCE between what a
Bahamian or Bermuda dollar cost would be and a US dollar cost as the
currencies are on par with each other. Actually one of the cards said
they charged no fee.

I first ran up against the difference in charges when I was in the
Bahamas. One card still charged me 3% on each transaction, while one
card charged nothing for the transactions. It took me awhile to
figure out why there was a difference between the charge slip I signed
(which was for the cardiologist and the ICU), and the amount that I
was charged. When I asked, that was the answer given.

For the different currencies (like the Euro or the UK pound) hey all
AFAIK charge the bank rate that is in effect when they get the charge.
I've never found any difference between cards for the rate. - Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -


Thanks to all that replied
At least I have got a few pointers.


  #12  
Old April 16th, 2007, 06:12 PM posted to rec.travel.cruises
Nonnymus[_3_]
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Posts: 18
Default Paying in US dollars

We've found that when traveling in Alaska that none of our credit cards
charge any exchange rate for purchases. They do in Canada, still, but
not in Alaska.

--
---Nonnymus---
Neither a borrower nor a lender be;
For loan oft loses both itself and friend,
And borrowing dulls the edge of husbandry.
  #13  
Old April 16th, 2007, 06:51 PM posted to rec.travel.cruises
Tobie Gerbrandt
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Posts: 319
Default Paying in US dollars

That's curious, Nonny. When we use our credit cards in Alaska they DO
charge an exchange fee, but NOT in CANADA! :-)

FYI We now have a reservation at the Thunderbird in Reno for the week after
Vegas!

Tobieon an Island in the Pacific

"Nonnymus" wrote in message
...
We've found that when traveling in Alaska that none of our credit cards
charge any exchange rate for purchases. They do in Canada, still, but not
in Alaska.

--
---Nonnymus---
Neither a borrower nor a lender be;
For loan oft loses both itself and friend,
And borrowing dulls the edge of husbandry.



  #14  
Old April 16th, 2007, 09:30 PM posted to rec.travel.cruises
Odysseus
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Posts: 184
Default Paying in US dollars


I have been calling my different credit cards to check on this. One
VISA, a debit card and one Mastercard charges 1% my AmExp charges 2%
another VISA and one Mastercard charges 3%. Guess which ones I'm
going to take?


I asked about this and was told that they always charged a conversion
fee. It was just hidden in the rate of exchange. Now they charge the
actual market rate of exchange and list the conversion fee.

Some of my credit cards charge a fee for all transactions outside
of the United States even if they in US dollars. I think that's just
one of those made up, gouge and screw the customer, bank fees.

  #15  
Old April 17th, 2007, 01:09 AM posted to rec.travel.cruises
Rosalie B.
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Posts: 1,575
Default Paying in US dollars

Odysseus wrote:

I have been calling my different credit cards to check on this. One
VISA, a debit card and one Mastercard charges 1% my AmExp charges 2%
another VISA and one Mastercard charges 3%. Guess which ones I'm
going to take?


I asked about this and was told that they always charged a conversion
fee. It was just hidden in the rate of exchange. Now they charge the
actual market rate of exchange and list the conversion fee.

Some of my credit cards charge a fee for all transactions outside
of the United States even if they in US dollars. I think that's just
one of those made up, gouge and screw the customer, bank fees.


I agree about that - especially if there is no rate of exchange or
conversion involved.

It is possible that the rate of exchange will not be as good for a low
or no-fee card. But it won't raise my blood pressure as much if I
don't see a 3% fee.




  #16  
Old April 17th, 2007, 03:39 AM posted to rec.travel.cruises
Dave[_7_]
external usenet poster
 
Posts: 5
Default Paying in US dollars

On 14 Apr 2007 00:37:37 -0700, "speckled hen"
wrote:

Hi
I am due to go on the sea princess in June leaving Southampton, I have
just received some info on the cruise and I notice when the cruise
ends I will have to settle my account using US dollars, it also states
that if I use UK pounds I will be charged 3% as well as a commision
depending on the exchange rate.

When I went with P&O I just settled with my UK visa card.
I had thought about getting travellers cheques in US dollars and doing
it that way.

Does anyone know a way round these charges?


If you've printed out your e-ticket and boarding pass you'll see that
you have the option to pay your bill by credit card using your home
currency. If you don't choose this option by checking the block on
the form, Princess bills in US dollars and charges the conversion
rate.

I've also seen people post to make sure you verbally point this out
when you check in.

Dave
Sea Princess - May 12th - Southampton
  #17  
Old April 17th, 2007, 11:00 AM posted to rec.travel.cruises
Edward[_1_]
external usenet poster
 
Posts: 24
Default Paying in US dollars

Rosalie B. wrote:
Odysseus wrote:

I have been calling my different credit cards to check on this. One
VISA, a debit card and one Mastercard charges 1% my AmExp charges 2%
another VISA and one Mastercard charges 3%. Guess which ones I'm
going to take?

I asked about this and was told that they always charged a conversion
fee. It was just hidden in the rate of exchange. Now they charge the
actual market rate of exchange and list the conversion fee.

Some of my credit cards charge a fee for all transactions outside
of the United States even if they in US dollars. I think that's just
one of those made up, gouge and screw the customer, bank fees.



I agree about that - especially if there is no rate of exchange or
conversion involved.

It is possible that the rate of exchange will not be as good for a low
or no-fee card. But it won't raise my blood pressure as much if I
don't see a 3% fee.





Capital One does not charge a "transaction fee". It is the only credit
card I have found that does not charge some kind of fee for transactions
in another country. I have not used it, so I don't know if the exchange
rate is different or not.
  #18  
Old April 19th, 2007, 04:16 PM posted to rec.travel.cruises
speckled hen
external usenet poster
 
Posts: 5
Default Paying in US dollars

On Apr 17, 11:00 am, Edward wrote:
Rosalie B. wrote:
Odysseus wrote:


I have been calling my different credit cards to check on this. One
VISA, a debit card and one Mastercard charges 1% my AmExp charges 2%
another VISA and one Mastercard charges 3%. Guess which ones I'm
going to take?


I asked about this and was told that they always charged a conversion
fee. It was just hidden in the rate of exchange. Now they charge the
actual market rate of exchange and list the conversion fee.


Some of my credit cards charge a fee for all transactions outside
of the United States even if they in US dollars. I think that's just
one of those made up, gouge and screw the customer, bank fees.


I agree about that - especially if there is no rate of exchange or
conversion involved.


It is possible that the rate of exchange will not be as good for a low
or no-fee card. But it won't raise my blood pressure as much if I
don't see a 3% fee.


Capital One does not charge a "transaction fee". It is the only credit
card I have found that does not charge some kind of fee for transactions
in another country. I have not used it, so I don't know if the exchange
rate is different or not.- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -


Ive just read the cruise answer book they provide:
Quote
"if you are paying by credit card and the card you are using is visa
or mastercard issued outside the US which is not billed
to you in US dollars, then the full amount of the onboard account will
be converted by Princess Cruises, to the currency of the card at an
exchange rate at the time the account is charged to your credit card.
The rate will include a 3% currency conversion service charge.
If you do not want your charges to be converted to the currency of
your card please ensure you tick the box on the express checkout form"

So I think I will tick the the box as suggested.
Don't know if the excellent exchange rate (well in UK) at the moment
will prompt me to buy some us dollars


 




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