BigOBri
San Antonio, TX
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Joined: 04/26/2008
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Hi All,
Will be traveling through Canada en route to Alaska in late June. I've been trying to get as much info as I can especially since I am very new at "RVing" ('07 Yukon, 21'Fun Finder X). What I can't figure out is exactly how much Canandian currency to carry with me. I hope that I can pay all expenses primarily with credit card. However, am I wrong in assuming I can do this? I will be entering Canada via Washington St and taking the most direct route to the Alaska Hwy. Being that there are a total of 3 of us(me, wife, daughter), can anybody recommend how much Canadian $$$$ I should take with us especially if there may be places that do not accept credit cards? I'd greatly appreciate any advice. Thank you,
BIGOBRI
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Matt & Carol
Fulltiming USA & Canada
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Joined: 01/06/2001
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I wouldn't worry about having enough Canadian $
The major credit cards, Visa and mastercard are accepted pretty much anywhere. Should you need cash ATM's are never far away.
I wouldn't carry any more than a few hundred. We fulltime and that is how we travel in both Canada and the USA.
Teton Frontier/FL 60
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grinder
Courtenay, British Columbia
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Joined: 05/31/2006
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For one thing, don't assume that all places will take CC's or DC's. You will run into places that will only accept CASH....... Get a good directory like the AAA or similar check out your CG's you plan on staying at, most will list what they require for payment and the approximate cost...... Also allow approximately C$100.00 per day per person for incidentals, if you don't spend it all it is not like lettuce it will not go bad and you can use it on your way home......... And at the rate our dollar is going it will be worth more...... Have a good trip through BC.
Ted
Courtenay, BC
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big dave
Soldotna, Alaska, USA
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Joined: 12/15/2001
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I use my CC for almost everything. You'll find that in the few places that require cash will take US $, the exchange rate may not be the best, but you won't have to do it much if any. Even McDonalds will take Visa.
Dave & Rose C
90 Safari Ivory 34' DP
04 Saturn VUE V6
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mrjimboalaska
Abilene, Tx. at the moment
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Traveled the Alcan 3x and NEVER carried Canadian $, Never found a place that would not take Visa, or US Dollars.....
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big dave
Soldotna, Alaska, USA
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I use my CC for almost everything. You'll find that in the few places that require cash will take US $, the exchange rate may not be the best, but you won't have to do it much if any. Even McDonalds will take Visa.
$100 would be plenty unless you plan to spend a lot of time in Canada.
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Alan_W
Longmont, CO USA
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Joined: 02/15/2004
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Is it better to use an ATM to get cash or go to a bank to exchange dollars for dollars???
Alan & Cathy
Brittany 14, Cody 11, Brooke 9 and Allison 4 --  Rig and Trip Photos Website
2004 GMC 2500HD Duramax/Allison, Prodigy, Reese 16K Slider, Timbrens
Crossroads Paradise Pointe PF32BH, Yamaha EF3000iSEB
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grinder
Courtenay, British Columbia
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To reinforce what I posted at 08:47. I just checked the BC Super Camping Guide book, third entry for Little Rock RV Park, CASH only, it then goes on Whiskey Creek Campground same thing. Duncan RV Park & Campground no CC's. Nanoose Creek CG no CC's. Gulf Islands National Park Reserve no CC's. These were on the first three pages of 49. You must have a good directory and choose your CG. ATM's are quite common in gas stations, you will no doubt get hit with a SC by your bank and also the ATM owner, I know for a fact that if I use the ATM in the Pay Less station here in Courtenay or the Gas & Go up in Cumberland, I am charged C$1.50 by the machine and C$1.50 by my bank, these are privately owned machines. Your best bet is to get your cash from a Chartered Bank, in any town you are passing through.
Ted
Courtenay, BC
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Rocky2
Ventura, Ca.
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Joined: 01/14/2004
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One caution on getting too much Canadian cash. While you can spend the cash on your trip back, using or converting the Canadian dollar in the US is not a piece of cake. Our northern neighbors are much more accommodative vis a vis US cash than we are about their currency. Having said that, I take out CD$ 200 and most times come back with some. I feel more comfortable being able to pay for services with cash if needed.
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PavementPilot
Vernon, BC
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Joined: 08/21/2007
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We are big on Debit Card transactions in Canada. Just use your ATM bank card at the cash register, and it lets you choose the account you want to use and enter your PIN. I would check with your bank first to see what options and accounts your want to use or have to set up to use this way.
DW, 2 girls, and me
07 Freestar
76 Parklane Tent Trailer
08 Minn Kota 30 lb Troller
56 Featherlite 10' Cartopper
Nights camped in 2007: 14
Nights camped in 2008: 3 so far
17 years Professional Driving accident free all over North America
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