My teenage daughter and I are novice travellers going up to Toronto next week for 6 days. Have accomodations booked...wanted to know about converting U.S. dollars to Canadian dollars (where to do?) and is it easy to use ATM's there? What about travellers checks...do you recommend bringing?

Your best bet is to use ATM's. They are the same here as in the states, I think. <BR>Have a good trip. <BR>Mandy

ATMs are easy to find throughout Toronto and all of Canada. You will be given Canadian dollars in the amount you choose and your U.S. account will be charged in U.S. dollars at a very good exchange rate, minus rather minor fees. I'm not a big fan of traveler's checks because they are a hassle, but it's true that they provide an extra measure of protection if you should have a situation where money is lost or stolen. That said, Canada is a relatively safe operating environment if you take the usual precautions you would to safeguard your possessions in almost any North American city. Save your retail receipts for purchases when they total more than $50 and hotel receipts. You can claim a refund of the sales taxes. For information on this and instructions on completing the form, go to: <BR> <BR>http://www.ccra-adrc.gc.ca/visitors/ <BR> <BR>Do NOT use the services you will see advertised in tourist publications -- file directly with the government yourself. If you are leaving Canada by car, have your receipts validated at the duty free shop BEFORE you cross the border back into the U.S. If flying, remember you will need to include your boarding pass from your exit flight with your claim. Happy Trails!

ATM's are Ok but you'll also find currency exchanges around and it's a good idea to track the daily exchange rate so you know whether you're getting a good deal. It's not reccomended that you use US cash in stores because even though most will gladly except it the reason they do is because they rarely give you fair exchange. You should check the daily exchange rate which is posted up to the minute on CTV News 1, (0ur equivilant of CNN Headline News) and figure that you shouldn't pay more than 1 1/2 - 2% vigorish off of that. So if the rate for US$ that day is $1.525 for one canadian doller you should get at least $150.50 for $100US. <BR> <BR>Another important thing to remember is that all prices you see are in Canadian dollars. If they're not they'd say so and few things irk us Canadians as much as an American adking if the prices are in US dollars. So be nice and don't ask.

Bank machines that are in real banks will charge you less than free-standing entrepreneurial non-name brand machines. Some "real" bank machines with real bank names (Royal Bank, CIBC) can also be found in gas stations, variety stores, etc. <BR> <BR>If the screen is in French or Chinese, just look for a button that says English, and you'll be fine. <BR> <BR>Many stores and restaurants have signs in the window telling you want exchange rate they'll provide. it may naot be as good as a machine, but it may not be all that bad, either, if you are hungry and don't want to go looking for a machine. <BR> <BR>And yes, there are two very different ten dollar bills, and both are real. <BR>If you are driving, you can use credit cards in the machines that give you tickets to permit parking on the street. Look out the the towing time signs, though. <BR> <BR>BAK <BR> <BR>BAK

Wouldn't the best way to get the best exchange rate be to use a credit card? How are travellers checks handled? <BR> <BR>Jean

When credit card becam popular didn't that basically end the use of traveller's checks? Mostly. <BR> <BR>I usually take some currency with in the countries I visit and use a credit card for most things. <BR> <BR>All prices will be in Canadian dollars and will not say so. It's assumed and don't even ask. Candadians are quite touchy (sensitive) about things like that. <BR> <BR>ATMs are like anywhere else. As suggested, if things come up in French there will be a selection somewhere for English. <BR>