Money questions for Vancouver/Alaskan cruise

[otten]

The only reason I can think of to have cash is that credit card exchange rates are typically pretty bad. So if you wanted to avoid paying the exchange across many small transactions you could save a bit that way.

 

[pangyal]

I live in Vancouver and never carry cash. There are a couple of food trucks that are cash only but with square I think even those are unusual.

Glad to know I’m not alone ! And you’re totally right, even the small business have options like Square now.

 

[MillauFr]

The only reason I can think of to have cash is that credit card exchange rates are typically pretty bad. So if you wanted to avoid paying the exchange across many small transactions you could save a bit that way.

Using a credit card is the best way to get a good exchange rate. The worst is using one of the currency exchange booths.

 

[MillauFr]

I never use cash in the US. Not going to use cash in foreign country.

 

[BruinEd03]

Using a credit card is the best way to get a good exchange rate. The worst is using one of the currency exchange booths.

The only reason I can think of to have cash is that credit card exchange rates are typically pretty bad. So if you wanted to avoid paying the exchange across many small transactions you could save a bit that way.

Otten may have meant transaction fees, not exchange rates. You get the best exchange rates with credit cards, but on the flip side, some credit cards may charge transaction fees (which can quickly negate the favorable exchange rate).

 

[MillauFr]

Otten may have meant transaction fees, not exchange rates. You get the best exchange rates with credit cards, but on the flip side, some credit cards may charge transaction fees (which can quickly negate the favorable exchange rate).

How does a 2% foreign transaction fee negate a 10% exchange rate fee?

 

[ladyofthetramp]

Yep - we used credit cards everywhere with the zero currency exchange fees. Even in cabs

Exactly what we did. When we tipped porters etc., they gladly accepted US dollars. I was worried about all this before I went as well, but it is really fine. Best advice is to have the credit card w/o foreign transaction fees.

 

[tvguy]

We were in Vancouver and Victoria in October on a Celebrity cruise. I spent a whopping $26 on my credit card and got hit with 77 cents in currency conversion fees. Every place also took U.S. Currency, but no exchange rate any of the places that I saw. They would take $1 U.S. even exchange for $1 Canadian. They gave change in U.S. currency. I did take some Canadian currency with me, but it was all $1 bills which have been out of circulation for years. Just checked and they are still legal currency until 2021, so I should have spent them since I don't anticipate another trip to Canada before then.

 

[FigmentSpark]

Even day to day, the only time I ever use cash is the farmer's market. And even some of those vendors take credit cards now. Tip if it's still relevant: know your PIN. You might just have to sign, but they might also ask you to use your PIN instead.

 

[ashley0139]

I've been to Canada three times in the last 3 months and the only time I needed cash was at a parking garage for an event I was going to that was not in a major city. I would not even worry about getting cash at all in Vancouver. Although if you ever want international cash you can order it a few days ahead of time from your bank. Just get a no international fee credit card and you will be fine. I didn't even bring Canadian cash to Vancouver in October and never needed it. Also I would never, ever assume a Canadian store/business will take American cash. It's in Canada. Pay in Canadian dollars.

 

[MillauFr]

We spent a whopping $26 on my credit card and got hit with 77 cents in currency conversion fees.

Our experience as well. There is no need to get would up about having a credit card that is going to charge you a foreign currency transaction fee. Paying a few dollars in fees in no reason to go out and get another credit card that doesn't charge them.

 

[DisneyConvert]

Run an ATM card through when one arrives to get Cd$120 or so, and then use no-extra-fee CCards for most significant purchases. It's not so difficult. Use the last Cd$10 ~ $20 for tips at your hotel, taxi ride and/or snacks at the airport.

 

[Seamama]

We’ve done Alaska twice. We tipped hotel porter/housekeeping with US dollars. Otherwise, we only needed cash once and that was at the coffee stand inside the train station. (Their credit/debit card machine was broken or they didn’t have one, I can’t remember which.) They accepted US dollars at face value (no exchange rate conversion). This means we overpaid a little but I didn’t care- desperately needed good coffee!

 

[bumbershoot]

I go to the Green Machine ATM near Sutton Place and get out cash.

No vendor is going to give you a favorable rate with USD. Use CAD when in Canada.

CCs are accepted just about everywhere, though.