Advice needed for Canadian visit

[Tina]

DH and I going to Niagara Falls in a couple of weeks for a long weekend. A friend of ours said we should pay for everything with American money because its cheaper. Is this true? It doesn't really make sense to me because then I have to do the math for the exchange rate in my head on everything I pay for and make sure I'm not getting ripped off. Should we just use our Visa for everything and let the bank do the math? Should we exchange our money for Canadian? Where is the best place to make the exchange? Help!!!!!!!!!

 

[maryann4086]

You should get a fair rate if you exchange at the banks, just don't count on the same exchange rate in the stores and attractions.More often then not, they will give you less then the current exchange rate. IF you change your money before you leave or at one of the Canadian banks, you should be fine. Hope you have a wonderful visit in my part of the world. Very busy this time of year, but always lots to do.

 

[caitycaity]

using a credit card will get you the best rate. otherwise, just use atm's to get canadian money.

if you use us dollars at places instead of local currency, you get a bad exchange rate and a lot of times people rip you off (sometimes even unintentionally). i would NOT use US $.

 

[SeaSpray]

We used our credit card while we were at Niagara Falls. It was much easier!

Have a wonderful time, the Falls are beautiful! If you're interested, I have some pictures of the Falls and other area attractions on my "family vacations" web site. The link is below... Just scroll down the page till you see where the links for Niagara Falls are. Enjoy!

 

[richiebaseball]

Usually just using your credit card when you can is the best bet. For hard currency just wait until you get there and use an ATM and withdraw what you think you need.

Richard

 

[binny]

Originally posted by caitycaity
using a credit card will get you the best rate. otherwise, just use atm's to get canadian money.

if you use us dollars at places instead of local currency, you get a bad exchange rate and a lot of times people rip you off (sometimes even unintentionally). i would NOT use US $.

Keep in mind though that in Canada they use the Interact system and not all of our debit cards work there. For instance our Visa debit cards dont work there in 98% of places we have to go to Royal Bank to use them, cant just use them at Safeway or other stores like we do here.

Otherwise I agree thats the best way to get the best deal. Debit card at an ATM.

 

[Tina]

Thanks everyone for the advice. I think we'll just use the Visa for everything we can and use an ATM to withdraw a little pocket change for small purchases that don't allow credit card.

 

[Scratch42]

Restaurants and Stores will not give you a good rate!

If a bank is open during your visit, then go inside an exchange it there. Otherwise, just use your CC!

Have Fun!

Scratch

 

[cabmom]

Have a great trip! I'll be there next week!

 

[missypie]

Call your credit card company and tell them you're going to Canada, lest they cut you off. Last year we spent days in the Seattle area and had no credit card problems...but the minute we crossed over into British Columbia and tried to buy something, the credit card company cut us off for "suspicious activity." (It just took one phone call to fix it, but it's still embarrassing to be denied.)

 

[Tina]

Cabmom, I see you're from the Toronto area. We are thinking of doing a daytrip to Toronto. I haven't been there since I was about 9 or 10 (grew up in the Detroit area). Do you have any suggestions for day activities for DH and I? I remember loving Casaloma as a kid, is it still open to tours?

 

[Tina]

Good idea, Missypie! I will do that.

 

[avdeane]

Another suggestion would be to exchange some US cash at the border so that you have a small amount on hand and use your credit card for the larger expenses.

Enjoy your visit to Niagara Falls!!

Here is a link to a site on Toronto that may be of help with ideas of what to do. http://www.toronto.ca/

 

[caitycaity]

Originally posted by missypie
Call your credit card company and tell them you're going to Canada, lest they cut you off. Last year we spent days in the Seattle area and had no credit card problems...but the minute we crossed over into British Columbia and tried to buy something, the credit card company cut us off for "suspicious activity." (It just took one phone call to fix it, but it's still embarrassing to be denied.)

ot, but you know what's really funny? our credit cards got cut off for suspicious activity when we went to a wedding in indiana, but we forgot to call before we went to jamaica and no problems.

 

[missypie]

As for a bit of cash, you might ask around at work or in your neighborhood, etc. if anyone has any Canadian $ that they'd like to exchange for US $. You could get the going rate on line for the trade, and would save the commission. Often people don't bother to change back money when they return from a trip; you might find someone anxious to get rid of it.

 

[cabmom]

Tina, I've pm'd you!

Marilynn

 

[Fire14]

What I do is exchange at Casino!!!! I get better rate here than doing it at bank and paying service charge. I also usually take day trip to Toronto and vist Skydome, CN tower and Hard Rock Cafe and underground.