cash at Niagara falls
 

Decided to take a last minute trip up to Niagara falls Canada. Do they take US dollars or should I just use my cc card for every thing. I was thinking of taking 200 bucks US dollars since I don't have time to get Canadian dollars from my bank.

Thanks.

You can get CAD $ from an ATM. I would rcommend that instead of using USD - you won't get a good exchange rate if you use USD.

Most of the exchange places are taking a percentage that makes you lose money... about 5%... many places take American at even (you lose 2 or 3 cents) and the Casino was also exchanging at even... avoid your Bank... they take 9 or 10%... Bring American and use your CC if they wont accept the US bucks...

Can't speak for Niagara Falls, but I was just in Yukon and BC, and all kinds of places (restaurants, hotels, stores, attractions) were taking US dollars at 1:1. That really isn't so bad given the convenience and noting that ATM and credit card fees will eat into a more favorable exchange rate. The only time I actually had to change any money was to get coins for doing laundry.

Check to see what rate places are offering for US cash before you use it, though.

There will be an ATM credit fee though usually unless you can find an actual bank branch ATM. I never found one. Your CC will also charge a conversion percentage.

I agree with lack of banks at NF.

I am in Niagara Falls now, and I agree with amelie. There are ATMs, at least near Table Rock center and several blocks around hotel/restaurant areas. BUT they are all independent ATMs charging private enterprise commissions.

I don't see any 1) banks or 2) bank owned ATMs around Casino/Horseshoe Falls area. When I asked restaurant staffs if there are any banks around, none can think of anything in the vicinity. I found the same issue at the Toronto airport. I found no bank ATMs at departure, arrival, or ground transportation areas, just independent private enterprise ATMs.

Good news is that most places take credit cards. Places like Tim Hortons don't.

I know for sure there is an actual bank branch in Niagara on the Lake, Bank of Montreal maybe? Right on the main street. But they might lock up the ATM inside the doors after hours? I could be wrong on that, BUT we always go to Niagara Falls first and Niagara on the Lake last. So we need the money for Niagara Falls. Even if there was a real bank branch to stop at on the way we would. Haven't found one, tried to look online too.
But now you say they are taking US cash at a 1:1 ratio. Maybe we should just do that. Hmm. We are going next month.

I saw many people whipping out U.S. dollar small bills at Niagara Falls and the sales people took them without a brink. I saw a man trying to use a U.S. $100 bill at the White Water Walk gift shop. The sales guy was spending a lot of time examining the bill to make sure it was a genuine bill.

There are 16 national bank branches in Niagara Falls but, since bank customers are people with accounts, loans, etc., most are located close to where us residents live, and not in the tourist areas. The closest ones for tourists would be on Lundy's Lane, Victoria Ave. or Queen St. (near the bus/train stations.

What are the names of those branches on those streets?

Queen street pretty much has one of each of the big Canadaian Banks, all with ATMs accessible after hours, and all do currency exchange. There is a CIBC, Royal, TD/Canada Trust, a Bank of Nova Scotia, and I think a Bank of Montreal.