I normally stop at the first bank ATM after crossing the border. In the past we have taken out $300usd from the machine, then go inside and get a roll of quarters and some Loonies ($1cnd) and Toonies ($2cnd) Then at campgrounds I will deposit cash into the "pipe" and round it up to the nearest quarter. (if I haven't accumulated the exact change from purchases) On some occasions I have dropped a check written on a US bank into the Pipe. If the campground charge is $15cnd, for example and the exchange rate is 15%, I will write the check for $15usd, and figure the difference will cover any hassle factor for them to deposit my check and any foreign exchange fee the park system has to pay on the transaction. The checks have always cleared after awhile. I don't make a habit of this.
As mentioned the "hosts" will normally have change for your cash payment.
I know at one time they were selling "camping permits" at stores, etc. but I was under the impression that program was dropped some years back.
joe b.
South Florida, Stuart
Formerly of Colorado and Alaska
Driving a Dodge/Cummins/Lance www.pajbcooper.com web site http://www.picturetrail.com/jbpacooper
Alaska 2004/2006/2009 - Colorado photos
"Without challenge, adventure is impossible".
I believe the limit is $10,000 in cash. I also think that applies to both countries. Of course, I stand to be corrected, but for sure that is the allowed amount into the US from another country.
You really don't need to concern yourself. ATM's are as plentiful in Canada as at home in the US. Just keep a couple hundred in cash and in fact..I'd say carry 50, if you are paying by card for gas/groceries/liqour.
Gary Haupt
I have begun to blog.. .www.gary haupt.blogspot.com. It's not about RV'ing...but RV'ing is a part of it.
Actually I believe that there is no limit on the amount of cash (and/or negotiables, ie travelers checks, etc) that you can take in or out of the US or Canada as long as you declare it if it exceeds $10,000. There was a thread some months back about some folks who tried to cross the US/CAN line with more than that amount without declaring it. Not good, it is subject to confiscation if you get caught.
When you cross into Canada the maximum undeclared cash is $10,000 Canadian. If you happen to have that in US Dollars you are over the limit and you have to declare it. It is no big deal but you will have to show it to them and they will record it. In our case we had travelers checks and the lady just made copies of the summary printout we got from AAA. In our case we were returning to Canada after driving the Top of the World Hwy. and she asked. If the guy at the southern border had asked I would have told him but he didn't and I didn't know about the limit.
We don't carry travelers checks anymore so just using credit and debit cards will make one less thing to worry about if you can get past the 3% "foreign transaction" fee they charge!!
Don't overlook the state parks in Alaska. Some are just as well laid out as the national parks.
At the state parks you can pay with cash or check.
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