I always take a big bunch of small bills (100x$1, 20x$5) in US Dollars.
Even though they may not be useful for any shopping, they may be used in the
following ways:
a. To tip tour guides and bus drivers (yes, they may like local currency,
but since most people stiff them they are happy
to get USD.
b. Tip jars of street musicians or other performers.
c. Charity box or candle box of churches or in free museums or other such
places you visit where a small donation is appropriate.
d. Panhandlers or cute kids if you feel the need to give
e. Porters at the dock (they might prefer local currency, but if they even
ask say thats all you have)
f. Bellhops at the hotel used before or after the cruise (see note for e.).
Since it is easy to get the small bills before you travel, this way you do
not have to use your local currency for the
above, as it is often difficult to get small local currency denominations.
|