klm
SIOUX FALLS, SD
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Joined: 05/26/2004
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Hi,
We are leaving June 8 for Alaska, and I have a couple of money questions.
There will be 2 of us, friends, traveling together, pooling our money into "the kitty" to pay for fuel, campgrounds. We will pay separately for extras- like shows, tours, etc. Now, back to "the kitty": we want to use cash, in USA, no problem. When we are in Canada, do we need to get Canadian currency? If so, where do you suggest we do this? Is US $$ generally accepted everywhere?
I appreciate any input or suggestions, thanks, Kathy
'02 KOUNTRY STAR DP
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mejones53
South Florida
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Use ATMs as for Canadian $$ as needed. That way will you get the best exchange rate.
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cpurves
Prince George BC
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Joined: 12/13/2005
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mejones53 wrote:Use ATMs as for Canadian $$ as needed. That way will you get the best exchange rate.
I don't know about Americans in Canada but my account allows me unlimited ATM use. I used it at a bank ATM in the US and was charged $ 5.00 transaction fee and 5% more in exchange rate. I would hate to see what a private machine charges.
Credit cards are the best. Most large stores will take US cash with close to the daily exchange rate. Any bank will exchange money for you at the daily rate. And then there are travellers cheques, purchase in Canadian dollars at your bank and use them in Canada, they are safer than cash as well.
Enjoy you stay in Canada.
Cheers
Chris
"Never Stop Learning"
Old 5er and new cameras.
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Joy
Henderson KY 42420
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Most Credit cards now charge a premium when you use them in another country - check with yours to see if it does in Canada. When we were there, my brother-in-law found it very inconvenient to cash Traveler's checks. Wound up having to find a bank to cash them. We used credit card for large purchases (fuel) and converted funds at Canadian Banks so we could have cash for smaller stuff.
See ya' down the road!
Don-SCPO USN Ret.Corpsman
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chiefcramer
USA Somewhere
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It is also a good idea to notify your credit card company in advance that you will be traveling out of the country. Some will attempt to contact you to confirm what they perceive as abnormal usage and may turn off your card access temporarily.
Dave & Kathy
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sue.t
Vancouver Island, BC, Canada
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Joined: 08/05/2004
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In tourist areas, some vendors will accept US $$. Don't expect a great exchange rate though.
Banks will give you the best exchange rate. Just plan a stop at a bank or credit union and switch your currency at the counter.
sue t.
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resmas
Elmendorf AFB, Alaska
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We just traveled through last summer. Other posters are correct - ATM's will charge a ridiculous transaction fee AND a currency exchange fee. Expect the same if you use your debit card at an ATM or for a purchase. We were told the best option for oobtaining cash is to stop at a bank close to the border on the US side, do a cash advance/ATM withdrawal there, and have them convert it. But, crossing where we did in Montana did not offer this option...
But, even with the fees, we at least were never told we couldn't use our debit/credit cards. But, you will want cash for some places in the boonies, that just might not be equipped with credit card equipment...
I don't think there is a "cheap" solution. No matter what, you're going to pay fees...
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jlawless
north america
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When you cross the border there will be a Visitor's Center. Stop by there and there will be a currency exchange. They will exchange your money at a decent rate and charge a $1.00 transaction fee.
New Tip: Use your cash and buy gasoline at the "Real Candian Superstores" and their associated businesses with the green "gas bar" signs. You will get coupons for 4-5 cents per liter that you can buy groceries with. I am horrible at math but I think that works out to about 16-20 cents a gallon and is much better return than my old credit card that will charge a foreign transaction fee.
"Whenever you find that you are on the side of the majority, it is time to reform."
Mark Twain
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JackD
Montreal, Qc,Canada (when not on the road)
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Joined: 02/11/2001
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When we are in Canada, do we need to get Canadian currency?
You don't need to, but your US currency could either be refused at some place or slashed in value with a very high exchange rate.
Would you accept a Canadian $$$ yourself at face value???$
If so, where do you suggest we do this?
A Canadian bank is best.ATM is more expensive than going to a Canadian Bnk.
Is US $$ generally accepted everywhere?
Generally, yes, but not necessarily. Again, if accepted, you can be assured the exchange rate will not be in your favor.
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Edwardo
COURTENAY B.C.
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Go to walmart use your credit card purchase supplys ask for cash back it works for me i both countries.
Edwardo
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