Currency

On Board the Ship

Hurtigruten is like all cruise lines, they have a key card that you use to charge expenses.  Everything goes on your room bill, and it’s charged to your credit card at the end of the expedition/cruise. All charges will be in Euros so people should check with their credit card company about exchange rates and charges. You don’t need cash on the ship.

Credit Cards and Cash

CREDIT CARDS: Chris and I travel with two different Visa credit cards, plus a Mastercard from a different bank. If one gets compromised, or won’t work, we still have two more we can use. When we go out, we take two cards and government ID (like a driver’s license), and leave passports and our spare credit card in the hotel safe. It is recommended to bring a photocopy of your passport when you explore – useless to a thief, but invaluable if you need formal help.

We don’t like carrying large amounts of cash. Also, we don’t want to have surplus cash in the currency of a country we’re only going to spend a couple of days in. We typically tip in USD or Euros to keep it simple.

Argentina – says that US currency is accepted everywhere and has a better exchange to the Argentinian Peso then Euros or CAD.  Credit cards are accepted as well, but it says to have 2 cards in case one doesn’t work.

Brazil – Credit cards are widely accepted everywhere in Brazil.  By law, the only accepted currency is the Brazilian Real.  All other currency has to be exchanged at a local bank or currency exchange only. ATM’s are also available in all major cities and the funds will come out as the Real.  Canadian bank cards will only work if the PIN is a maximum of 4 digits.  For Brazil it might be best for people to get Real’s ahead of time or plan to use a credit card.

Uruguay – US dollars are the most widely accepted. You can exchange those for the local currency, pesos, but not necessary.  Credit cards are widely accepted as well.

Paraguay – US dollars are the most widely accepted. You can exchange those for the local currency, guarani, but not necessary.  Credit cards are widely accepted as well.

Chile – US dollars and credit cards are widely accepted.  In rural areas they suggest having the peso in small denominations as shop owners charge to use a credit card. These can be withdrawn at an ATM or exchanged at the hotel.

Lastly, it suggests getting a ‘multi-currency’ debit or credit card like Wise.  It is loaded with money and then when you use it in a specific country, it charges in that currency.