Getting cash from the bank before we go

[Shrill]

Hi all!

I'm thinking we should get a bit of cash out from our bank here in Canada (i.e $US) before we go for tips etc., or at least to start us off (we also might want to buy a meal/ snack at the airport etc.). We are staying for 8 nights. What would you ask for?

Also, does anyone know if Canadian banks can give you rolls of $US quarters/ pennies (ie. for the pressed penny machines)? We will be on the Dining Plan and generally avoid using cash anyway if we can help it (we put everything on our CC and pay it off each month for points etc.).

Thanks!

 

[mort1331]

Never seen them give out change here, they don't take it either. Easiest is when checking in, they have lots just for this purpose and they even try to find the shiniest pennies for you.

 

[PBuggy]

No, you can't get US coins here. I usually watch out for US coins in my change here throughout the year and save those - I work in Toronto, so I usually get a few whenever I go to a store, especially in the summer when we get a lot of US tourists.
To figure out how much US$ we take, I look at all the table service meals we have planned and calculate the amount of tips, $50-$100 for airport meals, a bit of spending money and then I like to add a little extra "just in case".

 

[Pkltm]

We usually take cash for tips and small purchases, we will probably take about 300 total cash when we go in Sept/oct. I too collect US coin from change throughout the year. We just had a bunch of tourists for FIFA here, so I now have about $30 in coin. Wish I did not have to carry that on the plane.

 

[Shrill]

Thanks everyone: it never would have occurred to me to ask for change at the resort.

For table service meals, can you use credit/ magic band to tip?

 

[FishyMom]

Yes, you can use a credit card or magic band to pay for tips at table service restaurants. No cash needed unless you want to use it.

 

[Gigi22]

OP, check the exchange rate at a currency exchange. Thir rates are frequently better than at a bank. I have never asked for US coins, I doubt they have them.

Just an idea for your next trip. - routinely check through your change and put the U.S. in a jar. Surprising how it adds up!

 

[EastYorkDisneyFan]

Just as note about US coins generally anything below $1.00 isn't factored into an exchange rate and US coins and Canadian coins circulate around both countries except for loonies and tonnies that is.

 

[Sweetpea2011]

When we went to DW a few years ago, we used shiny Cdn pennies in the pressed machines with no problems. We had to have US quarters, obviously, but the penny itself was Cdn. I don't know if that is still the case, but it was for us.

 

[Chickkypoo]

Just as note about US coins generally anything below $1.00 isn't factored into an exchange rate and US coins and Canadian coins circulate around both countries except for loonies and tonnies that is.

I've run into a number of places in the US, Disney included, that will not accept any Canadian coins when your are paying with change. Canadian stores are generally more accepting of the US coins.