Currency Tips for Multi-Country Cruise Itineraries
The Lucy Team
We're the team behind Ask Lucy — travellers, food lovers, and language enthusiasts building an AI companion that helps you explore the world with confidence.
The Euro Zone Simplifies Things
If your cruise visits only Eurozone countries (Italy, Greece, France, Spain, Portugal), you only need euros. Most Mediterranean cruises, however, also visit non-Euro countries like Croatia (uses the euro since 2023), Turkey (Turkish lira), and Montenegro (uses the euro informally).
Card vs Cash Strategy
Use a no-foreign-transaction-fee credit card as your primary payment. Visa and Mastercard are accepted almost everywhere in European ports.
Carry small amounts of local cash for markets, street food, tips, and small shops that do not accept cards.
Use ATMs at port for the best exchange rates. Bank ATMs give better rates than exchange bureaus. Avoid airport and cruise terminal exchange counters.
Decline dynamic currency conversion. When a terminal asks if you want to pay in your home currency, always say no. Your bank's rate is better.
Country-Specific Tips
Turkey: Always pay in Turkish lira, not euros or dollars — the markup is enormous. Croatia: Now uses euros. Greece: Card acceptance has improved dramatically. Italy and France: Cards work everywhere except some small market stalls.
Lucy can help you understand local prices by translating price tags and receipts, ensuring you are never confused about what something costs.