Canadian vacation

[Snowysmom]

We are visiting Toronto and Niagara Falls this summer and I have a question about currency. Do we need to convert US dollars to Canadian dollars or are US dollars accepted most places? Some sites say you need to convert and others don't so I am curious. Thanks.

 

[Disney Ella]

We were in Montreal last summer and most places did accept American dollars. We usually paid in Canadian dollars that we got out of the ATM machine. There were also plenty of places to change your money for a fee, but the ATM was easier and cheaper. I'm sure in a tourist destination like Niagara Falls, there would be plenty of those places, as well as ATMs.

 

[pixiemomma]

Most places in Niagara and Toronto do take US dollars but the exchange rate isn't so hot. We usually take some Candian money and use our check for everything else. Have fun. I love Toronto. I would live there in a heartbeat.

 

[damo]

Pixiemama is right. It is cheaper for you to use Canadian dollars instead of US dollars simply because the stores will not give you a good exchange rate. Credit cards are taken almost everywhere but you always need a bit of cash.

 

[sammi]

Change your money in the US to Canadian first. Have fun!

 

[CdnDisneyNut]

Most stores will take your US cash but as mentioned before the exchange rate would be poor. You could change your American money to Canadian before you leave or get them exchnged at a bank here.

 

[Nancy]

I agree with doing it at the bank either in the States or in Canada. When we go to the casino we exchange our american currency there, they give a great rate on american to canandian...but to reverse it they give a different rate

 

[RoyalCanadian]

While many places will accept US currency and give an exchange, please be advised that it is not required. US currency is not legal tender in Canada -- I have been in stores where it has been accepted at par. (The posted exchange rates in many places really isn't too far off par, as it is.)

ATMs are plentiful and connected with the US banking system -- you'll be doing yourself a favour by using Canadian money while in Canada. Enjoy your trip!