Many countries in Europe use euros; however, several use different forms of currency. For incidentals and small vendors, we recommend getting local currency since US dollars are generally not accepted. Please note that we do not have a foreign currency service available on board. The most convenient way to get local currency is from ATMs; these offer favorable exchange rates. Should you plan to use ATMs, confirm with your bank prior to your departure that your ATM/credit card and PIN will work abroad and inquire about possible foreign transaction fees. If you are unable to use ATMs, you can also change cash at most banks, exchange bureaus and larger hotels for a fee. Current exchange rates are available in the financial sections of newspapers or online at xe.com. Many countries require the use of a PIN for credit card transactions. Should you plan to use your credit card, be sure to setup your PIN and confirm activation with your credit card company prior to your departure. You may also wish to download a smartphone app that allows you to conveniently convert foreign currencies.

Mastercard, Visa and American Express are accepted in major shops, restaurants and hotels, as well as on board to settle your shipboard account. Remember to notify your credit card companies that you will be traveling abroad to avoid unnecessary holds on your account. American credit cards with magnetic stripes may not work in European automated ticketing machines, such as transit vending systems, as these require chip-and-PIN type cards; contact your credit card company for details.

The currency on board your ship is the euro. The following items are not included in your cruise fare: specialty coffees/teas from the beverage menu, bar items, gratuities, laundry, phone calls or similar personal purchases. Onboard purchases are added to your personal shipboard account. At the end of your cruise, you may settle your account in cash (euros converted at the current exchange rate) or by credit card. Traveler’s checks are not accepted.

If you have shipboard credit, it can be used toward bar, gift shop, gratuities and/or shore excursion purchases. Shipboard credits have no cash value, are nontransferable and must be used on a ship operated by Viking by the date of expiration; other restrictions may apply.

Please note that import duty (including destination and storage charges) and taxes may be applied to any goods purchased in your local destination that are shipped back to your home country.

Our onboard staff is dedicated to providing you with the best cruise experience possible, and it is customary to give gratuities in recognition of their service. How much you choose to tip is a personal matter and completely at your discretion. We offer two ways to manage your gratuities: you can relax and enjoy your journey by pre-purchasing gratuities in My Viking Journey at our standard recommended rate of $20 USD per person, per night; or, we will automatically add a discretionary service charge of €20 EUR per person, per night to your shipboard account, which appears on your final invoice at the end of your cruise. This charge will be shared among the onboard staff who helped support and provide for your cruise experience, including the Program Director, waitstaff, stateroom stewards, galley staff, nautical staff and others; this charge will also be shared with the Program Director for the land portions of our Elegant Elbe, Cities of Light, and Paris to the Swiss Alps itineraries. Should you wish to make changes to the gratuity amounts, stop by Guest Services once you are on board.

Any additional tipping is at your discretion and must be done at the destination. Should you choose to tip your local guides and/or drivers, we recommend doing so in cash. We suggest €3 per person, per day for local guides and €2 per person per, day for drivers.

Please be aware that if you are taking part in a pre- or post-extension, your local Viking host or the Tour Director escorting you are not included in the onboard gratuity. We suggest €3 per person, per day.

Please note most restaurants include service in their prices, and it is customary to round up generously for good service.

VAT (Value-Added Tax)

A number of countries have a national sales tax (VAT) levied on goods. With the proper point-of-purchase documentation, it may be possible to get a portion of this tax refunded on new and unused high-value items purchased from a single retailer. We recommend you research what is necessary for the country from which you plan to purchase a high-ticket item before you depart. Depending upon flight schedules and timing, you may be able to receive a refund by applying at the airport kiosk before your flight’s departure, but please understand that this could take some time and effort to complete.