Currency Exchange

[6miths]

If you are traveling within a hundred miles of the border, where most of Canada's population lives, most places will accept USD although as mentioned the exchange rate will be quite punitive. A credit card with spot rate exchange rate is the best way to go. Otherwise for cash, an ATM or inside the bank if you don't have a no fee, spot rate exchange ATM card.

All that said, I think Nemo2's offer is very reasonable. I'm sure he will be happy to mail you the money once he is in receipt of your remittance.

[Fedup]

Quote:

Originally Posted by 6miths If you are traveling within a hundred miles of the border, where most of Canada's population lives, most places will accept USD although as mentioned the exchange rate will be quite punitive. A credit card with spot rate exchange rate is the best way to go. Otherwise for cash, an ATM or inside the bank if you don't have a no fee, spot rate exchange ATM card. All that said, I think Nemo2's offer is very reasonable. I'm sure he will be happy to mail you the money once he is in receipt of your remittance.

This was my recollection of my years traveling to Canada. Especially now the exchange rate is much better for the dollar.

[tmm99]

I use my Capital One Venture Card. No foreign transaction fee.

[travelover]

For a short visit, a few beaver pelts will do.

[Sunset]

You can certainly exchange USD for CDN inside any bank in Canada, I've done it a bunch before.
Sure there is a small % difference, the buy/sell spread they have but it's not too draconian as Canadians regularly will buy USD to travel to US at the bank.

[SPMW]

I traveled to Canada for a week in January, and literally brought no cash, US or otherwise.

Irresponsible? Probably, but it worked out. I charged everything to a credit card with no foreign transaction fees. In the end, I came out way ahead of my friends, who ended the trip with way too many Canadian loonies and got ripped off on the exchange rates both ways.

[PERSonalTime]

Btw, has anyone heard of some sort of fee ($1-$2) that charged each person to enter the US from Canada?

[Hyperborea]

Quote:

Originally Posted by PERSonalTime Btw, has anyone heard of some sort of fee ($1-$2) that charged each person to enter the US from Canada?

Yeah, this is a new pre-clearance permit that Canada has recently instituted called Electronic Travel Authorization. It's only for those arriving by air who aren't coming with a visa and are not US citizens. It costs CAD$7 and is good for up to 5 years.

It's very similar to what the US has been doing for a number of years called ESTA. The US one costs US$14 and is only valid for 2 years.

[Meadbh]

Quote:

Originally Posted by PERSonalTime Btw, has anyone heard of some sort of fee ($1-$2) that charged each person to enter the US from Canada?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hyperborea Yeah, this is a new pre-clearance permit that Canada has recently instituted called Electronic Travel Authorization. It's only for those arriving by air who aren't coming with a visa and are not US citizens. It costs CAD$7 and is good for up to 5 years. It's very similar to what the US has been doing for a number of years called ESTA. The US one costs US$14 and is only valid for 2 years.

I was going to say that, until I noted that PERsonalTime's question was about entering the US. The ETA is for travellers entering Canada.

[Hyperborea]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Meadbh I was going to say that, until I noted that PERsonalTime's question was about entering the US. The ETA is for travellers entering Canada.

Hah, yeah I missed that. Oh well, at least I included the US one too. So, they should follow the ESTA link I gave.

[PERSonalTime]

Thank you both ("H" & "M") for your timely response. In that I'll only be there for a few day, I guess I won't have to worry about paying that fee.

[PERSonalTime]

Thank you both ("H" & "M") for your timely response. In that I'll only be there for a few day, I guess I won't have to worry about paying that fee. I'll be driving too and not flying.

[PERSonalTime]

Thank you both ("H" & "M") for your timely response. In that I'll only be there for a few days, I guess I won't have to worry about paying that fee. Also, I'll be driving in and not flying.

[Danmar]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sunset I like the colorful money and coins in Canada.

Agree. Our money lasts longer too as it is polymer rather than paper. Smells sweet too.