Talking about travellers cheques, here's a little thing that absolutely amazes me. Most people don't understand that when you 'purchase' travellers' cheques you are in fact loaning the institution, (Amex, Thomas Cook, Visa or whatever), your money INTEREST FREE until such time as you cash the cheque.<BR><BR>Yet some banks actually charge a 1% fee in order for you to lend them that money while others make themselves out to be doing you a huge favour by not charging you a fee to loan them money interest free. It just blows my mind that people buy into this. By all means use travellers cheques but don't pay a fee for them and don't think that the seller of those cheques is doing you a favour by not charging you a fee. You are the one doing the institution the favour.

Thanks, Robyn, <BR>I did some further research on my own today, and what everyone's saying is true; ATM in Canada, especially if your bank doesn't charge a fee, is the way to go.<BR>Gary, you make an excellent point. Unfortunately, I guess they have us over a barrel for those times when we absolutely want the security of traveller's checks - but I'm going with the ATMs!

Gary, I'm disappointed in you. I think that this is the first thread on exchange rates where you haven't managed to sneak in the word "vigorish".

You're right Dan and frankly I can't think of a better application of that word than the 1% fee for travelers cheques.

BigJayne, Are Ya Da Big Bucktoothed Boldlegged Heffer From Saskatchewan? Cause Ya Sure Do Know How Ta Accept Them Foreign Currencies, Dahling!

Please keep in mind sometimes the best laid plans go awry. We were going to use our ATM card when we visited Paris a few years ago to access currency. When we arrived we found out that the people who restock the ATM machines were on strike! Be prepared for all eventualities. We had to be sure the eateries we chose would take credit cards until this incident was over. We also applied for two different ATM cards so if there was trouble with one we had the other to fall back on.

YEA, Not from Sask. but an American Southerner who doesn't like the heat. Unfortunately, can't get out of the kitchen, job and all is here. I not only can change currency in Canada, you should see me with the Euro and YEN!!!

I have read most of the replies to your question. Some of these are uncivil and some are simply not practical. The best advice I can give you is do the three things that will get you the most for your money.<BR><BR>1. As soon as you arrive in Canada, go to the nearest bank and plop down a few hundred dollars and say please give me Candian money for this. They will give you the full exchange rate and there is no charge for the service.<BR><BR>2. While in Canada, use your Visa (or any credit card) for large ticket items. Again, you will benefit from getting the full exchange rate when your credit card company bills you.<BR><BR>3. When you are ready to leave Canada, go to the nearest bank and hand them all your Canadian money and ask them to give you American money. Again, full rate.<BR><BR>Don't even look at your American money when you are in Canada.<BR><BR>Mark A. Bitterman

Dear Mr. Mark A. Bitterman: Please provide a list of banks open evenings and Sunday afternoons.

There are money exchanges at almost all airports that give a good rate of exchange. Banks do charge a fee, if you look at the actual exchange rate as opposed to what you receive, you will see that they do recover a %'g. However, it is a good idea to exchange your money or use the ATM's, VISA, Mastercard. And don't forget to save all receipts over $50, including accommodation so that you can recover the GST.

Hi Wondering,<BR><BR>Hee hee hee! I will amend my advice to say "if the banks are open".<BR><BR>I usually enter Canada by ferry into Kingston, and go straight to the bank.<BR><BR>I wouldn't dream of going there at night - nor on Sunday.<BR><BR>It's all a matter of planning. I have lots of time to plan - since I'll be 80 on my next birthday.<BR><BR>Mark <BR><BR><BR>

Michele makes an excellent point - to be prepared for the unexpected. Another bit of advise: if spouses are travelling together with several Bank Cards, each should carry different cards in his/her wallet/purse (so often, spouses each carry duplicate cards from the same accounts). If one spouse's wallet or purse gets lost or stolen and all cards in it must be immediately cancelled, your vacation will not be over if the other partner is carrying a card or two from a different account.

Americans arrogant? Why not?? For every ONE of ours, we get 1.55 of YOURS in return!