Depends on the exchange rate. Most places will be happy to accept US$ if the CA$ is worth less. When the CA$ is trading higher than US$, you will have to shell out more, plus absorb an exchange percentage. I'd recommend bringing some CA$ with you, or visiting an exchange service when you arrive. If you do choose to use your CC, make sure that your lender does not charge extra fees on top of the exchange rate differential.
It would be good to have a small reserve of Canadian cash as not every location may accept credit or debit cards. I do the same when I visit USA--I carry about $100.00 "just in case".
We like to have about $100 in Canadian Cash just for those places that do not take plastic. We normally just stop at a WalMart and get cash back with our purchase.
When using credit cards, we check with the credit card company prior to going as exchange rates and fees for foreign transactions vary from one card issuer to another. You also want to let your credit card company know that you will be traveling outside your normal area of usage or they may disable the card until they can reach you to confirm it is really you using your card.
* This post was
edited 04/13/12 09:42am by 2chiefsRus *
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joncopple wrote: Depends on the exchange rate. Most places will be happy to accept US$ if the CA$ is worth less. When the CA$ is trading higher than US$, you will have to shell out more, plus absorb an exchange percentage. I'd recommend bringing some CA$ with you, or visiting an exchange service when you arrive. If you do choose to use your CC, make sure that your lender does not charge extra fees on top of the exchange rate differential.
Most importantly...have a GREAT TRIP!!
I beg to disagree. You can be sure no business is going to lose money. You will always pay a little more to exchange your money at other than a bank.
Re. credit cards, they charge a transaction fees these days, but then again they do your bookkeeping for you.
tadpole2 wrote: When traveling through Canada should you take cash and convert to Canadian money or just use your credit card.
Here in Canada purchasing fuel at the pump with a CC is far easier then in the USA.
100% outside of and around 99% inside of cities...allow you to pump first and walk in after to pay.
Pumps do not request a zip code when paying at the pump with a CC.
Along the Canada/US border, all the usual big chain fast food joints and Canadian supermarkets in any town at or near the border will accept US cash, their 'checkout' machine does the calculation.
Certainly bring some cash with you anyway.
We have travelled around the USA and buying fuel at a gas station is far more complicated for us, then it will be for you when you travel around Canada buying fuel.
You will find that fuel here in comparison to the USA is around 20% more, to buy (I know because I live less then 15 miles from a border crossing!).
Food essentials are in comparison to the USA, again FAR more expensive...I sight Milk, Cheese, Bacon and wait until you see how much you will pay for bread!!!
Make sure your spare wheel is 100%, here in Canada some of our roads look like they have just been 'carpet bombed!' LOL!!!
If you drink....alchohol is nearly everywhere in Canada, sold in governemnt stores at nearly 50% more then what it costs in the USA.
Why, because they are a tax source of course!
Enjoy your trip???
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your bank card will work at any ATM machine(use big bank ATM's such at TD, Royal, CIBC, BMO, HSBC - not independants) - exchange rate is reasonable and processing fees are typically not onerous.
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