First trip, need exchange rate help!

[LovesHerTaurus]

Hi

11 days to go! I need advice.

I live in a small town 3 hours from any major center. Will I have better luck exchanging my money at:

1 - my bank (RBC)
2 - a different bank
3 - payday loan place (heard a rumor they have better exchange rates!!)
4 - somewhere else??

Help. Wedding dress ready to go, would like to maximize my money

 

[Gigi22]

I would try your bank first, see what the rates are for exchanging cash. You can also find out if they offer traveller's cheques without charging a commission--some RBC credit cards offer this.

 

[Queenofallthings]

The rate was fantastic today!!! I would absolutely go where you deal!!

Have a great trip!

 

[LovesHerTaurus]

Awesome rate today! If stays the same or better I'm at the bank at lunchtime cashing in my money for almost PAR!

If it goes to PAR tomorrow I may just pee my pants with pure joy

 

[Queenofallthings]

Awesome rate today! If stays the same or better I'm at the bank at lunchtime cashing in my money for almost PAR!

If it goes to PAR tomorrow I may just pee my pants with pure joy

We leave next month and I bought a good chunk today....here's hoping for more tomorrow!!!!

 

[Northstar]

If you live in a small town and have just 3 options, I'd shop around (either by phone call, or maybe just drop in if the 3 places are close) the day you decide to do it.

Don't just ask for the exchange rate. Ask what fees they would charge for exchanging XX Canadian dollars into US cash. (That may be the killer for the payday loan place... those guys are really into profit)

And don't worry too much about whether you got the absolutely best rate. That way lies madness, given how many ways there are to exchange money and how frequently the rate changes slightly!