Heading to beautiful Quebec City - currency question

[snowbunny]

Greetings, I am driving from Maine to Quebec City next weekend. This will be our second time - last year the USD was slightly higher than the CAD; this year situation is reversed.
Last spring there were many places where merchants gladly accepted USD cash, so I never bothered to buy CAD and incur the costs associated with exchange bureau, bank, or ATMs...but now that CAD is worth more, is that still going to be the case?
Thanks very much-

 

[domesticdiva]

As of today our dollar is just below the US dollar, so I'm sure it will be fine to use american money. I assume that they'll take your money at par seeing as it is only worth a penny more. Have fun and enjoy!!

 

[snowbunny]

Ok thank you! Last year my DD and I became very lost within the old city walls (too busy looking at the beautiful buildings to pay attention where we were)...this time I have my new GPS so we should be good to go

 

[Saratoga Souris]

I live in Windsor (border town). Our merchants (including the Casino) all readily accept US dollars but they DO discount them. Some merchants are currently offering only 95cents per US dollar. I would advise to get some Canadian dollars (from an ATM in Canada, works well) and be prepared. If you don't have enough Canadian $$ or don't want to get "stuck" with them, most Credit Cards and Bank cards work in Canada too.

Enjoy Quebec City - it is LOVELY

 

[RoyalCanadian]

Also keep in mind that American money is not considered legal tender in Canada -- it is a foreign currency -- and no business is obligated to accept it for payment of goods or services.

Go get some Canadian currency upon your arrival -- you won't have to be concerned if a particular merchant won't accept your money if you have Canadian currency on hand. ATMs are readily available.

 

[misslissa]

Also keep in mind that American money is not considered legal tender in Canada -- it is a foreign currency -- and no business is obligated to accept it for payment of goods or services.

Go get some Canadian currency upon your arrival -- you won't have to be concerned if a particular merchant won't accept your money if you have Canadian currency on hand. ATMs are readily available.

I agree. I grew up in Niagara Falls and worked jobs where I was constantly hassled by Americans who insisted that I take their USD currency. In some instances, we couldn't take it. We never could take change, because our banks don't even accept it! When I worked at establishments where we did take it... we charged a premium.

As I do when I visit the US, even if for an afternoon, it will be more economical to get it exchanged at the Duty Free place, or a bank before you go. In addition, your credit card company should be able to provide you with the best rate possible.