Anyone been to Niagara falls Canada?

[eliza61]

I'm heading up to our neighbors to the north next week and had a question. Really silly but do they accept U.S. dollars? I won't have time to exchange currency before we leave and I didn't want to use my credit card for small purchases like a bottle of soda.

Thanks, it will be our first trip to Niagara falls.

 

[FireDancer]

I had to use some U.S. cash there last October but even those that took it gave back Canadian change. You can get Canadian money from any ATM and while the rate isn't as good as a proper exchange (and your bank may charge a 1% - 3% fee) it isn't too bad.

 

[luv2sew]

If my memory serves me right there is a money exchange right as you cross the border...it's probably best to exchange money than use your US money so that you do not have to keep good track of the change that is being given to you which won't be US change.

We loved Niagra Falls I could watch the falls forever it's is so mesmerizing and peaceful. There is so much to do there. I know you will have a great time. Have fun

 

[gretchenohar@hotmail]

I live very near the border between the US & Canada - near Buffalo, NY.
The exchange rate between the 2 countries is now almost even - I think the US dollar is maybe worth 2 or 3 cents less than the Canadian, but I'm not positive about that. (Notice the use of the word US - and not American. Canadians are also considered Americans, as part of North America - and sometimes some Canadians take a little offense when we say something like: "How much is that in American dollars". Not always, but sometimes...)

I've taken the liberty of adding links to websites that might answer your question - and perhaps some more that you might not have known to ask.
http://www.necromantic.net/deadparrot/border01.html
http://gocanada.about.com/od/canadatravelplanner/qt/Money.htm

Just a warning about Canadian money, if you haven't been exposed to it before: it looks alot like ours in some ways, but decidedly different too. For instance - their paper bills are the same sizeas ours, but are colored - some people think they look like "play money". Their coins can be deceiving - there is something called a "loonie", which is a little bit bigger than a quarter and is brass colored, and it's worth $1.00. It's called a loonie because there's a pic of a loon (a duck) on the back. There's also a "twoonie" which is worth $2.00 which is also a little bit bigger than a quarter but is worth $2.00. It almost looks like a half dollar with a penny inserted in the center. The rest of their coins look pretty much like ours and are worth about the same.

Have a great trip. Don't know where you're going in Canada besides the Falls - but Niagara on the Lake is beautiful, as well. You'll also be less than 2 hours or so from Toronto. Please don't hesitate to ask me for more info.
Gretchen

 

[rigs32]

If you have a debit card that is visa or MC branded, then you'll get the prime exchange rate when you use it - even for small purchases. Though you want to check because some now charge a small percentage for an "exchange fee". As someone else said, you can use your debit card at a Canadian ATM to get Canadian currency if you know about how much you'll spend.

Right now, 1 US dollar = 1.0275 Canadian dollars. So merchants will likely do an even exchange. But you will get your change in Canadian.

I grew up in Buffalo and it was common to get Canadian change back from US merchants. If you didn't pick up on it at the time, it was annoying to notice. Most merchants didn't have a problem, but parking meters and vending machines wouldn't take them.

 

[merryweather20]

http://www.fallscasino.com/saucer/

I always suggest the above restaurant. Its nothing fancy but it looks like a flying saucer and they have a 99 cent breakfast

As some of the other posters mentioned you can use U.S. dollars in Niagara Falls stores, but the exchange rate will usually be pretty bad at a mom and pop store. A chain restaurant will have both U.S. and C$ prices listed and you might be better off paying in U.S. because they don't update their menus frequently with the exchange rate.

I live very near the border between the US & Canada - near Buffalo, NY.
The exchange rate between the 2 countries is now almost even - I think the US dollar is maybe worth 2 or 3 cents less than the Canadian, but I'm not positive about that. (Notice the use of the word US - and not American. Canadians are also considered Americans, as part of North America - and sometimes some Canadians take a little offense when we say something like: "How much is that in American dollars". Not always, but sometimes...)

I've taken the liberty of adding links to websites that might answer your question - and perhaps some more that you might not have known to ask.
http://www.necromantic.net/deadparrot/border01.html
http://gocanada.about.com/od/canadatravelplanner/qt/Money.htm

Just a warning about Canadian money, if you haven't been exposed to it before: it looks alot like ours in some ways, but decidedly different too. For instance - their paper bills are the same sizeas ours, but are colored - some people think they look like "play money". Their coins can be deceiving - there is something called a "loonie", which is a little bit bigger than a quarter and is brass colored, and it's worth $1.00. It's called a loonie because there's a pic of a loon (a duck) on the back. There's also a "twoonie" which is worth $2.00 which is also a little bit bigger than a quarter but is worth $2.00. It almost looks like a half dollar with a penny inserted in the center. The rest of their coins look pretty much like ours and are worth about the same.

Have a great trip. Don't know where you're going in Canada besides the Falls - but Niagara on the Lake is beautiful, as well. You'll also be less than 2 hours or so from Toronto. Please don't hesitate to ask me for more info.
Gretchen

If someone told you that was offensive, they were kidding around with you.

 

[gretchenohar@hotmail]

If someone told you that was offensive, they were kidding around with you.

You're right, Merryweather - most would be kidding - but I've had a couple shop-keepers call me out on that in the past... Some people are more easily offended, eh?

Have never tried the Flying Saucer - will make it a point to do so - it looks really cool. Thanks for the link - looks like the grandkids will love it.

Have to say the Canadian Falls & surrounding area are awesome!

And to the OP - don't forget to have a Labatt's Blue (beer) when you're in the area.

 

[eeyoremum]

I live very near the border between the US & Canada - near Buffalo, NY.
The exchange rate between the 2 countries is now almost even - I think the US dollar is maybe worth 2 or 3 cents less than the Canadian, but I'm not positive about that. (Notice the use of the word US - and not American. Canadians are also considered Americans, as part of North America - and sometimes some Canadians take a little offense when we say something like: "How much is that in American dollars". Not always, but sometimes...)

I've taken the liberty of adding links to websites that might answer your question - and perhaps some more that you might not have known to ask.
http://www.necromantic.net/deadparrot/border01.html
http://gocanada.about.com/od/canadatravelplanner/qt/Money.htm

Just a warning about Canadian money, if you haven't been exposed to it before: it looks alot like ours in some ways, but decidedly different too. For instance - their paper bills are the same sizeas ours, but are colored - some people think they look like "play money". Their coins can be deceiving - there is something called a "loonie", which is a little bit bigger than a quarter and is brass colored, and it's worth $1.00. It's called a loonie because there's a pic of a loon (a duck) on the back. There's also a "twoonie" which is worth $2.00 which is also a little bit bigger than a quarter but is worth $2.00. It almost looks like a half dollar with a penny inserted in the center. The rest of their coins look pretty much like ours and are worth about the same.

Have a great trip. Don't know where you're going in Canada besides the Falls - but Niagara on the Lake is beautiful, as well. You'll also be less than 2 hours or so from Toronto. Please don't hesitate to ask me for more info.
Gretchen

Actually we are Canadians. We don't call ourselves "Americans" we call you Americans for the most part. Yes we are part of North America but our country and our nationality is Canadian.

Most stores and museums in Niagara Falls quote both American and Canadian prices. The shops are WAY over priced because of the tourist aspect of the area. Montana's restraunt for instance is a good 2 - 5 dollars more per item than St Catharines which is about 20 or so minutes up the highway.

Niagara on the Lake is beautiful it is however full of little over priced boutique type stores. Fort George in Niagara on the Lake is a great place to visit. Plus my DS has a summer job there.

 

[kimblebee]

I have to agree that I don't think of myself as an American at all. That is a term reserved for US citizens. I also have to say that Canadian money is not the same size as US money. US money is longer but shorter from top to bottom. Sorry, I know there is a better term but it's 2 a.m. here so my brain is done for the day. I am travelling down to Fargo (ND) in 2 weeks and I have a note on my fridge that I have to go to the bank to get some American money. Gotta love that exchange rate

 

[eliza61]

Thanks everyone.
I did call my bank and cc companies. everyone will charge me a 3% foreign exchange fee which I pretty much expected. At home I use my visa check card for absolutely every thing. when I travel though I tend to use my CC's as it gives me more fraud protection and it's not linked up to my checking account. I just wanted a few bills on hand for small stuff.

Some one mentioned 'Niagara on the Lake" is that far from Niagara falls.

 

[cabanafrau]

Niagara on the Lake is a short but enjoyable drive from the falls area. I don't know about the Saucer restaurant, but if going to Niagara on the Lake, don't miss lunch at the Pie Plate. It's on Regional Road 55, technically in Virgil, slightly southwest of downtown Niagara on the Lake -- approx. 10 min away.

They specialize in using local ingredients and the results are beyond incredible. A month and a half later none of us can stop thinking about our meal there.

 

[DrCavin]

Don't forget your passport...

 

[OhMari]

I'm going the following days after Labor Day.
Any suggestions on where to stay?

 

[antmaril]

I'm going the following days after Labor Day.
Any suggestions on where to stay?[/QUOTE

Embassy Suites Fallsview is very nice. Good location, great views from the rooms, complimentary breakfast buffet and evening treats. We were quite happy with the Embassy Suites in Niagara Falls.

 

[michellev]

I live very near the border between the US & Canada - near Buffalo, NY.
The exchange rate between the 2 countries is now almost even - I think the US dollar is maybe worth 2 or 3 cents less than the Canadian, but I'm not positive about that. (Notice the use of the word US - and not American. Canadians are also considered Americans, as part of North America - and sometimes some Canadians take a little offense when we say something like: "How much is that in American dollars". Not always, but sometimes...)

I've taken the liberty of adding links to websites that might answer your question - and perhaps some more that you might not have known to ask.
http://www.necromantic.net/deadparrot/border01.html
http://gocanada.about.com/od/canadatravelplanner/qt/Money.htm

Just a warning about Canadian money, if you haven't been exposed to it before: it looks alot like ours in some ways, but decidedly different too. For instance - their paper bills are the same sizeas ours, but are colored - some people think they look like "play money". Their coins can be deceiving - there is something called a "loonie", which is a little bit bigger than a quarter and is brass colored, and it's worth $1.00. It's called a loonie because there's a pic of a loon (a duck) on the back. There's also a "twoonie" which is worth $2.00 which is also a little bit bigger than a quarter but is worth $2.00. It almost looks like a half dollar with a penny inserted in the center. The rest of their coins look pretty much like ours and are worth about the same.

Have a great trip. Don't know where you're going in Canada besides the Falls - but Niagara on the Lake is beautiful, as well. You'll also be less than 2 hours or so from Toronto. Please don't hesitate to ask me for more info.
Gretchen

Just an FYI, but it's actually called a "toonie" not a "twoonie". I guess the origin is that it is worth two loonies.

I have never met a Canadian that didn't refer to people from the U.S. as American. That's what we call you, so we won't be offended if you refer to yourself that way.