Money is refreshingly simple in Antarctica: there’s no local currency and very little to spend on, because almost everything is included in your expedition cruise. The main things to plan for are your gateway city and a few onboard extras. Here’s what to know.
Antarctica has no currency of its own. Onboard your cruise, payments are usually handled in US dollars or euros depending on the ship operator, and credit cards are generally accepted for your shipboard account. You’ll settle most extras at the end of the voyage.
Almost all Antarctic voyages depart from southern Argentina or Chile — usually Ushuaia (Argentina) or Punta Arenas (Chile). Budget some cash for your days there before and after the cruise: you’ll want Argentine or Chilean pesos plus some US dollars for meals, tips, and souvenirs. See our Argentina and Chile money guides for the details.
On an Antarctic cruise, nearly everything is covered in the fare. The main exceptions are some drinks, tips, and optional add-on activities such as kayaking or camping — though these are usually booked and paid for in advance rather than onboard.
Tipping the expedition crew is customary at the end of the voyage and is typically given in US dollars (in cash or added to your onboard account). Most operators suggest a guideline amount per passenger per day — your cruise documents will spell this out.
Ready for the white continent? Browse our Antarctica cruises — we handle the logistics so you can focus on the experience.
