If you’re heading out on a European river cruise, you’re in for an incredible mix of castles, vineyards, and charming towns right outside your stateroom window. But before you set sail, there’s always the practical question that pops up: how much cash do I actually need? After all, Europe isn’t like the U.S. when it comes to money and tipping, and it’s easy to overpack your wallet with euros you’ll never use. Knowing how locals pay for things and what situations still call for cash can save you stress (and a few bucks).
Most travelers wonder things like:
- Do I need to bring cash on a European river cruise, or will credit cards cover everything?
- How many euros should I carry for a 7-night river cruise in Europe?
- Do I need euros specifically for tipping guides, bus drivers, or cruise staff?
- Will I need coins for public bathrooms in European cities and towns?
- Should I order euros from my bank before leaving the U.S. or just use ATMs in Europe once I arrive?
Let’s break it down.
Is Cash Even Necessary on a River Cruise?
Honestly? Not really. Most river cruise lines (like Viking, AmaWaterways, and Avalon) include nearly everything: meals, drinks, guided tours, and even airport transfers. You won’t be paying for dinner or tipping waiters daily like you might at a resort.
On board, cash is irrelevant and not even accepted. Everything gets charged to your stateroom and paid with a credit card at the end.
Once you’re off the ship, though, having a few euros in your pocket can be helpful. Just not as much as most people think.
Is It Better to Use Credit Cards or Cash in Europe?
Here’s the best setup, hands down: use a credit card with no international fees, and let your bank know you’re traveling. Most major cards give you the best possible exchange rate, way better than converting cash ahead of time. And most will have RF chips for tap to pay, the preferred method.
Even better? Tie that card to Apple Pay or Google Pay on your phone. Europe is miles ahead of the U.S. when it comes to contactless payments. You can literally pay for a €3 gelato with a tap of your phone. It’s how almost everything is done there, whether at a bar, restaurant, store, even taxis.
When Will You Actually Need Euros on a River Cruise?
Most travelers only need cash for:
- Outdoor markets or tiny cafés that don’t take cards (very rare)
- Public restrooms in Europe usually cost €0.50-€1, often paid in coins.
- Small tips for bus drivers or local guides (as they’re not employed by the cruise line)
We’ve personally traveled to Europe dozens of times and only hit a true cash-only spot once: a little outdoor beer garden. (Admittedly, that was our mistake, and quite embarrassing – and quite the scramble to pay!) So yes, carry some euros… but this is not the kind of trip where you need to be walking around with €500 in your wallet!
Do I Need Euros for Tipping on a River Cruise?
Gratuities for onboard staff are usually handled through your cruise line and can be charged to your cabin. But it’s thoughtful to have a few euros for bus drivers or local guides, since they’re often not included in the line’s tipping program. A couple of euros per person is fine.
Do I Need Euros for Public Bathrooms in Europe?
Yes. Many public restrooms charge a small fee (€0.50-€1). They’re usually coin-operated, so keep some change handy. It’s one of the most common reasons river cruise travelers dip into their cash stash. And for how clean they are? Worth it!
How Many Euros Should You Bring on a River Cruise?
We recommend:
- €100 per person, per week (and that’s being generous)
- Bring small denominations: €5s, €10s, €1 and €2 coins.
- Avoid large bills – they’re hard to break and easy to lose.
You can grab euros from an ATM once you arrive, usually with the best exchange rate. If you’d rather have a little cash in your pocket before you fly, most U.S. banks let you order euros ahead of time. Just give yourself a week or two for delivery and check if your bank charges a fee.
Don’t bother with airport exchange booths, they have terrible rates. And don’t overthink it – most travelers go days without even touching their cash.
Note: Guest services on board will usually be able to break larger euro bills but they will not exchange dollars for euros.
Don’t Make These Cash Mistakes
- Don’t bring a ton of euros from home – it’s usually more expensive and less secure
- Don’t rely on U.S. dollars – Europe won’t take them
- Don’t expect to find coin change easily at a hotel or shop – plan ahead for tips or public restrooms
Berwick Voyage’s Bonus Tips
- Ask the cruise staff for ATM recommendations in town – they’ll steer you toward low-fee machines. Best bets are the lobbies of banks.
- Most tours don’t require tipping, but it’s a nice gesture for excellent local guides or drivers. Usual amount is one euro per guest for the driver, two to three euros per guest for the guide.
- If you like to shop or grab snacks in port, keep a few coins handy, but pay with your card whenever you can.
- Remember: tipping culture in Europe is very different from the U.S. Many countries don’t expect tips at all, and when they do it’s usually 5–10%. Credit card machines often don’t even have a tipping option, and in cafés or bars it’s common just to round up the bill and leave a few coins. Don’t feel pressured to tip 20% like you would at home.
Bottom Line: Use a credit card for everything. Carry some cash as a just-in-case.
The days of loading up on foreign currency (or traveler’s checks – remember those?) before a trip are over. With the right no-fee credit card (ideally tied to Apple or Google Pay), you’ll be set. Bring about €100 per person, per week, just in case you need it for a tip, a bathroom stop, or that rare café without a card reader.
After dozens of river cruises and trips through Europe, our team has found that most travelers spend far less cash than they expect. Credit cards dominate, but a small stash of euros gives you peace of mind.
Ready to Plan Your River Cruise?
Sorting out euros is just one part of planning a smooth European river cruise. The fun part is picking the line and itinerary that fit you best. We work closely with top names like Viking River Cruises and AmaWaterways to match travelers with the right trip, whether it’s castles along the Rhine, vineyards on the Danube, or the lavender fields of Provençe.
Want expert guidance and the latest offers? Reach out today and we’ll help you choose the perfect sailing and make sure you don’t waste a single euro along the way!
Quick FAQs: Euros on a River Cruise
- Do I need to bring cash on a European river cruise? Mostly no – credit cards work almost everywhere, with a little cash for small extras.
- How many euros should I carry for a week? Around €100 per person per week is plenty.
- Do I need euros for tipping? Onboard gratuities go to your stateroom account, but small tips in euros are appreciated for local guides (€2-€3 per guest) and bus drivers (€1 per guest).
- Do I need coins for public bathrooms? Yes, many charge €0.50-€1 and require coins.
- Is it better to order euros before leaving or use ATMs in Europe? ATMs usually give the best rate, but you can order a small amount from your bank before you travel for peace of mind.
- Can I use U.S. dollars in Europe? No — euros are expected almost everywhere.
- Do European restaurants add a tip automatically? Rarely. Many countries don’t expect tips, and when they do it’s usually 5–10%, not 20%.
- Do credit card machines in Europe have a tipping option? Often they don’t. In cafés and bars it’s common just to round up and leave a few coins.
