Money and Tipping

Greece uses the Euro. I recommend getting some Euro before departure (if possible) for water or food in Madrid (or your layover airport) or on arrival in Athens. Shop around and check for charges for conversions. Keep up with the local conversion rate at XE Universal Currency Converter.

Then use an ATM card to get Euros while in Greece. Avoid making a lot of withdrawals because banks will charge a finance fee for each transaction. Check with your bank before departure.

Using ATM cards and credit cards is recommended over travelers checks. Contact your bank and credit card company and let them know to expect charges from Greece, the islands and Turkey, as well as any airplane layover stops as you may make purchases in these airports.

Some travelers actually open a separate checking account for their ATM travel money. That way if the card is stolen it does not drain your entire funds.

How much do you need? Consider the excursions you want to take. They can only be purchased on the cruise ship. Lunches on land are on your own. All meals are provided on the ship, but if you want to eat on any island, it will be on you (unless you pack a picnic from the cruise buffets!). If you drink tap water, it is free with meals, but if you want soda, bottled water or an alcoholic beverage at any meal it is on you.

Also remember souvenirs. Any transportation other than the provided tour bus, cruise ship, or excursion transport will be on you, such as a city bus or subway to a walking tour.

TIPPING
Bring with you the following tips:
Tour director - $6/day x 9 days = $54 US (Will be with us throughout the tour and the cruise)

Bus driver - $3/day x 5 days = $15 US

The tour director tips and the bus driver tips I’ll collect our last night and we will present to them as a group.

Tips on the cruise: You will have a shipboard account and $10/day x 4 = $40 US will automatically be added for staff tips. Check on your shipboard account the night before we leave the ship and give yourself time to question any charges. It will save time and stress on debarking day.

Local guides: It is totally up to you if you think the guide has been exceptional to tip individually 1-2 Euro, but it is not required.
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