Best way to exchange money?
May 7th, 2001, 11:23 AM
#3
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Herself is right. <BR> <BR>Go to an ATM machine to get Canadian dollars. You'll get a far better exchange rate than at a bureau de change. Some stores accept $US, others don't. The ones that do sometimes have a terrible exchange rate. <BR> <BR>Have a great trip. DAN
May 7th, 2001, 11:49 AM
#4
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I live in Vancouver and disagree with the last too poster's suggestions that some or all stores will not accept US dollars. Every store will accept them. However, the exchange rate you will receive will vary. Some stores will be very fair, others less so. I operate a store and we give a rate of 1.5 Canadian dollars to 1 US dollar. The reason our rate is slightly less than the official rate is that I have additional administrative expenses in processing US dollars and pay fees at the bank as well. <BR> <BR>If you want the best exchange rates, I suggest using your ATM card at banks or as a debit card in most stores, or go to the foreign exchange counters in banks. <BR> <BR>Generally I also find that when I travel in foreign countries I get a very decent exchange rate when I use my Visa card.
May 7th, 2001, 04:17 PM
#5
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We travel to Canada frequently. American dollars (cash) are welcome in many (but not all) shops and restaurants. Often, the exchange rate will be posted in the window. It's prudent to know the current rate of exchange (see http://www.xe.com/ucc) the day you leave so you'll know if the rate offered is favorable. The rates haven't fluctuated much from day to day for many years. You'll get the best rates, though, if you use your ATM card for withdrawing cash as you need it, and and using credit/debit cards for your hotel, restaurants, shopping, etc. Use any leftover currency toward your hotel bill, so you won't have to change it back.
May 8th, 2001, 10:31 AM
#6
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Just a bit of cuyltural history here. Canadians have grown up with Americans viewing their money withsomething between disdain and curiosity. I've been all over the world and the US is one of the very, very few countries where I can't get Canadian $ exchanged at a bank or Money Exchange. <BR> <BR>The result of this is that most of us resent americans shoving their green money in our face and saying something like 'How much is that in real money?'. <BR>Fortunately I've found that most Americans are sensitive enough to change their greenbacks as soon as they get settled. Trust me. You'll be received with more respect if you do. <BR>g
May 8th, 2001, 11:35 AM
#7
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Since I will be in vancouver all of about 36 hours, I was going to just get possibly $250 CAD at the airport. I heard that is pretty easy. I arrive on a Saturday and your banks aren't open Saturday afternoons I would guess. How does that sound? My ATM card is a weird one from my credit union so I can't use it out of country! Thanks again guys...
Have fun!
May 11th, 2001, 06:37 PM
#11
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Depending on circumstances, I use the ATM's and my credit card for Canadian money. I often thought that the picture of Moraine Lake that was on the Canadian $20 bill was terrific. Why can't the US use pretty pictures rather than some stone faced ex-president (Hamilton excepted; he was never president but he qualified as a stone face.). <BR> <BR>One interesting little experience I had in Banff tells me that having some US dollars along is sometimes handy. <BR>Some of the stores in Banff were having a quasi sale by offering to exchange American dollars at better than the official rate of exchange offered by the banks. When I asked why they were doing it, I was told that the merchants' association had stipulated the date of the fall season sales. The stores that were getting the jump on the competition were offering a slightly higher exchange rate, which in effect lowered the price. <BR>I did not bring up the issue of ethics. <BR>Also, I have been able to use Canadian money in the USA, but only in stores close to the border. <BR>
