Currency Exchange

[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]

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]

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.

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]

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]

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.