ATM's at Niagara Falls
Jun 17th, 2003, 05:46 PM
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ATM's at Niagara Falls
Going to Niagara Falls this weekend. Haven't been to Canada in over 20 years. When traveling to Europe, I get my currency from ATM machines because of the convenience and exchange rate.
Are ATM machines as plentiful in Niagara Falls and Niagara-on-the-Lake as they are in Europe so I don't need to worry about changing money ahead of time.
Are ATM machines as plentiful in Niagara Falls and Niagara-on-the-Lake as they are in Europe so I don't need to worry about changing money ahead of time.
Jun 17th, 2003, 06:23 PM
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1/ Yes
2/ There are "official" bank ATM machines, in banks and elsewhere, and there are "whitelabel" ATMS, which don't have the name of a big bank on them, and they cahrge a lot extra.
3/ In Niagra Falls and Niagra onthe Lake, there are so many US travellers that it is easy to just spend US dollars, and get your change in Candian dollars.
4/ The exchange rate is not as good as it used to be, and $1.30 - $1.35 is reasonable exchange now, compared to more than $1.50 a while ago.
BAK
2/ There are "official" bank ATM machines, in banks and elsewhere, and there are "whitelabel" ATMS, which don't have the name of a big bank on them, and they cahrge a lot extra.
3/ In Niagra Falls and Niagra onthe Lake, there are so many US travellers that it is easy to just spend US dollars, and get your change in Candian dollars.
4/ The exchange rate is not as good as it used to be, and $1.30 - $1.35 is reasonable exchange now, compared to more than $1.50 a while ago.
BAK
Jun 18th, 2003, 09:17 AM
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Hi Budman:
While ABMs are plentiful in Niagra Falls, you may want to check with your bank to see if they have a ABM 'partnership' with a Canadian bank. I use ScotiaBank here in Canada and they are 'partnered' with Barclay's, Bank of America, Deutche Bank, Westpac & BNP Paribas so if I use one of the 'partner' ABMs outside Canada I only have the exchange rate to pay, not the ABM usage charge.
Since I'd rather save my money for a Guinness or 2 I'll check before I leave where my 'partner' bank's ABM will be.
Hope this helps.
Z
While ABMs are plentiful in Niagra Falls, you may want to check with your bank to see if they have a ABM 'partnership' with a Canadian bank. I use ScotiaBank here in Canada and they are 'partnered' with Barclay's, Bank of America, Deutche Bank, Westpac & BNP Paribas so if I use one of the 'partner' ABMs outside Canada I only have the exchange rate to pay, not the ABM usage charge.
Since I'd rather save my money for a Guinness or 2 I'll check before I leave where my 'partner' bank's ABM will be.
Hope this helps.
Z
Jun 18th, 2003, 10:17 AM
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I didn't know you needed to get money from a partner bank??? While in Europe, I would go to any bank ATM, put in my Mastercard, enter my 4-digit pin, select the amount of currency I wanted, and BINGO!!! the money comes rolling out of the machine. It's either a miracle, or technology is wonderful.
When I get my credit card statement, they do the conversion for me, I pay the 25-30 day interest on the cash advance, I send them a check, and I don't feel cheated. I don't ever recall being charged a fee unless it was factored into the conversion rate (which by the way was very reasonable).
Are things different in Canada?
When I get my credit card statement, they do the conversion for me, I pay the 25-30 day interest on the cash advance, I send them a check, and I don't feel cheated. I don't ever recall being charged a fee unless it was factored into the conversion rate (which by the way was very reasonable).
Are things different in Canada?
Jun 19th, 2003, 05:58 AM
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HI Budman,
Yes, when I'm in Europe, I get money from the ATM's just like magic!! No fuss, no muss..
However, I think what Travel Master is referring to is our own local bank's charge. My bank, which is the Royal Bank of Canada, does charge me $3 or $5 ( can't remember the exact amount) when I use an out of country ATM.
This is not on credit card advances, but withdrawls from my account.
Seems they get you one way or another.
Yes, when I'm in Europe, I get money from the ATM's just like magic!! No fuss, no muss..
However, I think what Travel Master is referring to is our own local bank's charge. My bank, which is the Royal Bank of Canada, does charge me $3 or $5 ( can't remember the exact amount) when I use an out of country ATM.
This is not on credit card advances, but withdrawls from my account.
Seems they get you one way or another.
Jun 19th, 2003, 01:59 PM
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Kodi:
Thanks for the clarification, yes what I meant by the 'partner bank' had to do with the ABM fees. When I used Barclay's in Kenya or Bank of America in the US I paid the same ABM fee as I would with ScotiaBank here in Canada (in my case $0). But if I used a Standard Bank in Kenya or Fleet Bank in the US I was charged $2.50cnd per transaction, the same as I would if I used a Royal Bank ABM here in Canada.
So for the same reason I only use ScotiaBank ABMs here in Canada, I search out ScotiaBank 'partner banks' outside Canada (and really helps with their 'customer loyality').
And when there is a 'partner bank' available I'll carry less cash, as I can get it anytime I need it without paying the extra $2.50.
Z
Thanks for the clarification, yes what I meant by the 'partner bank' had to do with the ABM fees. When I used Barclay's in Kenya or Bank of America in the US I paid the same ABM fee as I would with ScotiaBank here in Canada (in my case $0). But if I used a Standard Bank in Kenya or Fleet Bank in the US I was charged $2.50cnd per transaction, the same as I would if I used a Royal Bank ABM here in Canada.
So for the same reason I only use ScotiaBank ABMs here in Canada, I search out ScotiaBank 'partner banks' outside Canada (and really helps with their 'customer loyality').
And when there is a 'partner bank' available I'll carry less cash, as I can get it anytime I need it without paying the extra $2.50.
Z
Jun 19th, 2003, 03:01 PM
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Travel Master,
Thanks... you've taught me something. I didn't know about partner banks. And when I asked at Royal how much the fee was, there was no mention of partner banks. So the next time I go away, I just may have to look into using a Scotia bank account or one of the other banks that DOES have a partnership.
Thanks..
Thanks... you've taught me something. I didn't know about partner banks. And when I asked at Royal how much the fee was, there was no mention of partner banks. So the next time I go away, I just may have to look into using a Scotia bank account or one of the other banks that DOES have a partnership.
Thanks..
Jun 19th, 2003, 05:24 PM
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You guys have me totally confused.
I use my Mastercard in the ATM (any ATM) in Europe (anywhere in Europe) for a cash advance and pay no fee.
If I do the same at a Canadian Bank ATM in Niagara, and it's not a partner bank, I have to pay a fee?
Are "Cirrus" and "Plus" code words for partner banks?
I use my Mastercard in the ATM (any ATM) in Europe (anywhere in Europe) for a cash advance and pay no fee.
If I do the same at a Canadian Bank ATM in Niagara, and it's not a partner bank, I have to pay a fee?
Are "Cirrus" and "Plus" code words for partner banks?
Jun 20th, 2003, 06:29 AM
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Budman:
No "Cirrus" and "Plus" are different, the details on the ScotiaBank one is at -
http://www.scotiabank.com/cda/conten..._LIDen,00.html
Kodi:
Just because your Royal Bank branch doesn't know of something similar don't assume they are not part of one, I found the ScotiaBank info by accident (while searching their web site to find out what the fees for using an ABM in Kenya would be). When I asked my local branch for the details they had never heard of it, so I e-mailed the 'contact us' address on the web site to get the info.
It worked flawlessly, I only used Barclay's ABMs in Kenya & the UK (~10 times total), so never had to carry more than $200 in cash (for safty), paid no transaction fee (I'm cheap). But I checked the Barclay's web site first to see where their ABMs were (compared to our itinary) to make sure I could easily access then along our route (I could) & 'The Rough Guide to Kenya' had sketch maps of all the towns which included the Standard Bank & Barclay ABM locations, Internet cafes, supermarkets, etc (really geared to the modern travler so not really 'roughing it').
Later,
Z
No "Cirrus" and "Plus" are different, the details on the ScotiaBank one is at -
http://www.scotiabank.com/cda/conten..._LIDen,00.html
Kodi:
Just because your Royal Bank branch doesn't know of something similar don't assume they are not part of one, I found the ScotiaBank info by accident (while searching their web site to find out what the fees for using an ABM in Kenya would be). When I asked my local branch for the details they had never heard of it, so I e-mailed the 'contact us' address on the web site to get the info.
It worked flawlessly, I only used Barclay's ABMs in Kenya & the UK (~10 times total), so never had to carry more than $200 in cash (for safty), paid no transaction fee (I'm cheap). But I checked the Barclay's web site first to see where their ABMs were (compared to our itinary) to make sure I could easily access then along our route (I could) & 'The Rough Guide to Kenya' had sketch maps of all the towns which included the Standard Bank & Barclay ABM locations, Internet cafes, supermarkets, etc (really geared to the modern travler so not really 'roughing it').
Later,
Z
Jun 20th, 2003, 06:52 PM
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Z,
Well, I have spent ages studying the Royal bank website and can't fine any info on partners. I'll check it out further, but it looks like Scotiabank is the way to go. Thanks so much for the info. I did read the site you posted above and it seems like it will be worth it to get a Scotia bank account. BTW, Royal charges $5.00 for Europe. NO WAY I'll pay that.!!!
Budman,, to answer your original question, NO you won't have a problem, and no you won't have to pay a fee here IF you use the official bank machines and stay away from the white ones, as BAK stated. These are usually in convenience stores etc.
We are talking about our HOME bank charging us fees to use other machines, which won't affect you. Also we are talking about withdrawls from our accounts, not cahs advances an a credit card.
Well, I have spent ages studying the Royal bank website and can't fine any info on partners. I'll check it out further, but it looks like Scotiabank is the way to go. Thanks so much for the info. I did read the site you posted above and it seems like it will be worth it to get a Scotia bank account. BTW, Royal charges $5.00 for Europe. NO WAY I'll pay that.!!!
Budman,, to answer your original question, NO you won't have a problem, and no you won't have to pay a fee here IF you use the official bank machines and stay away from the white ones, as BAK stated. These are usually in convenience stores etc.
We are talking about our HOME bank charging us fees to use other machines, which won't affect you. Also we are talking about withdrawls from our accounts, not cahs advances an a credit card.
Jun 21st, 2003, 06:31 AM
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Kodi:
Glad I could help, my normal sequence for money when I'm travelling internationally -
- my ABM card (at a ScotiaBank partner bank where possible)
- a seperate ScotiaBank 'classic' VISA card (re: free) that I only use when I travel, it has a much lower credit limit so less of a credit exposure if it gets 'compromised'
- the 'classic' VISA is setup for ABM use (as a backup to my ABM card) for cash advances only, 'not' linked to my accounts (my bank indicated that if my ABM card was reported lost-stolen-etc then all cards accessing my accounts wouldn't work for security purposes)
- I also prepay that VISA with what I used to get in travelers cheques (last time I took travelers cheques was ~3 years ago & they were hard to get a vendor to use, they prefer a credit card or cash) but by prepaying my VISA with what I used to buy in travelers cheques - a) if I need to use the VISA for a cash advance due to a problem with my ABM card then I don't get hit with outragous daily interest on the cash advances until I exceed what I prepaid (since I used to take travelers cheques no extra expense as had to pay for them upfront as well) AND b) if I don't have to use my VISA for a backup ABM card the 'sticker shock' of my next statement is somewhat lessened when I see how much I spent on the trip
- I also have my normal credit cards as further backup & generally have $100usd in cash (which I refer to as 'international food stamps')
Have had lots of practice travelling internationally with work the last 5 years & have heard a lot of 'horror' stories with money, so this is my low risk/low cost aproach.
Hope its of value to someone.
Z
Glad I could help, my normal sequence for money when I'm travelling internationally -
- my ABM card (at a ScotiaBank partner bank where possible)
- a seperate ScotiaBank 'classic' VISA card (re: free) that I only use when I travel, it has a much lower credit limit so less of a credit exposure if it gets 'compromised'
- the 'classic' VISA is setup for ABM use (as a backup to my ABM card) for cash advances only, 'not' linked to my accounts (my bank indicated that if my ABM card was reported lost-stolen-etc then all cards accessing my accounts wouldn't work for security purposes)
- I also prepay that VISA with what I used to get in travelers cheques (last time I took travelers cheques was ~3 years ago & they were hard to get a vendor to use, they prefer a credit card or cash) but by prepaying my VISA with what I used to buy in travelers cheques - a) if I need to use the VISA for a cash advance due to a problem with my ABM card then I don't get hit with outragous daily interest on the cash advances until I exceed what I prepaid (since I used to take travelers cheques no extra expense as had to pay for them upfront as well) AND b) if I don't have to use my VISA for a backup ABM card the 'sticker shock' of my next statement is somewhat lessened when I see how much I spent on the trip
- I also have my normal credit cards as further backup & generally have $100usd in cash (which I refer to as 'international food stamps')
Have had lots of practice travelling internationally with work the last 5 years & have heard a lot of 'horror' stories with money, so this is my low risk/low cost aproach.
Hope its of value to someone.
Z
Jun 23rd, 2003, 08:09 AM
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Budman,
ATMs in Canada are pretty much exactly the same as in Europe or the US. Certain machines charge you their own $1-2 usage fee for using them (much the same way as many ATMs in the US do). Others don't - those affiliated with banks. If you use your credit card you don't need to look for a "partner" bank, as your credit card doesn't charge fees. If you want to use an ATM to withdraw from your checking account instead of your credit card, then you may want to check with your bank to see if they charge any fee for out of country withdrawls. I do not recommend using $US in Niagara Falls. Stores and restaurants will give you a very poor excahnge rate compared to the bank.
ATMs in Canada are pretty much exactly the same as in Europe or the US. Certain machines charge you their own $1-2 usage fee for using them (much the same way as many ATMs in the US do). Others don't - those affiliated with banks. If you use your credit card you don't need to look for a "partner" bank, as your credit card doesn't charge fees. If you want to use an ATM to withdraw from your checking account instead of your credit card, then you may want to check with your bank to see if they charge any fee for out of country withdrawls. I do not recommend using $US in Niagara Falls. Stores and restaurants will give you a very poor excahnge rate compared to the bank.
Jun 23rd, 2003, 04:32 PM
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Just as I expected. Put in my credit card, and got the choice of French/English. Put in my pin. Next Screen was a choice between checking/savings/credit card. Next screen was US $ or Can $. Next screen was the amount I wanted.
English, pin, credit card, Can $, 100, and WOW!! It was that easy.
Thanks for all your replies.
P.S. Everyone took US$$$ wherever we went, including toll booths. We used Can$$ and changed back to US$$$ at the border. Any purchases over 50Can $$, you get the 7% tax back at the border. Save your receipts, including hotel/B&B receipts.
English, pin, credit card, Can $, 100, and WOW!! It was that easy.
Thanks for all your replies.
P.S. Everyone took US$$$ wherever we went, including toll booths. We used Can$$ and changed back to US$$$ at the border. Any purchases over 50Can $$, you get the 7% tax back at the border. Save your receipts, including hotel/B&B receipts.
