Where to convert US$$ to Can.$$ in B.C.

[VickiVM]

Going to Seattle next week and taking the ferry from Port Angeles to B.C. overnight and returning next day. Does anyone know where I can convert US$ travelers checks into Canadian $$ that will give me the most current rate?? We will be in a car until Port Angeles, but after that will be relying on ferry and shuttles. Is there, perhaps, a place near the ferry dock in B.C.?? Also, what forms of ID will I need to cross the border??

 

[wenabre]

Hi VickiVM,
In answer to your questions, you need the same ID that we need to go into the US, either a passport or any registered photo ID; like a drivers liscense, government employment card, military ID card or a citizenship card.
If you are only going to be in Canada for a day, you probably won't need much Canadian$, most places in Victoria will take your American $ for a fair exchange rate or you can just use a charge card. I can't remember what is near the ferry docks, but you might be able to exchange right on the ferry. If you are travelling on the Canadian ferries just check out their web site. www.bcferries.bc.ca
Have a nice trip!

 

[VickiVM]

Thanks so much! Wasn't sure if I needed birth certificate also (not sure where mine is). I'm really looking forward to the break from the heat.

Vicki

 

[CindyAnn]

Hi VickieVM - I'm not sure what the process is when US citizens visit Canada, but when Canadian citizens go to the US we MUST carry a birth certificate or passport or citizenship card. Sometimes we need to show it when entering the US and sometimes we need to show it to get back in Canada. When we go from Toronto to Buffalo NY we often don't need to produce it in either direction, but I wouldn't want to take a chance!

Hope you enjoy your trip to BC!

Cheers,

 

[VickiVM]

Thanks, CindyAnn, I'll start looking for it today. I still have 4 days to find it. And to be on the safe side, I'll call the ferry company in Port Angeles and find out what the requirements are. I may have to find in-laws' birth certificates or passports for them as well...they are already in Seattle now and probably didn't think about it.

 

[wenabre]

Hi VickiVM,
CindyAnn is right. I double checked with customs and immigration people this morning and they state that you must be able to prove your citizenship so you would need either a birth certificate or citizenship card if you don't have a passport. They also state you will need an additional piece of photo ID like a drivers licence or govt. or military photo ID for example. If you get a chance and you love gardens while in Victoria visit the Butchart Gardens, just outside of Victoria, they are beautiful.
Have a good holiday.

 

[VickiVM]

Thanks...we are planning a tour to the gardens and staying overnight at Oak Bay Beach Hotel...with an ocean view. Looking forward to that.

 

[c&m]

A wonderful place to visit is the Royal BC Museum. It houses incredible exhibits. Also, you may want to have tea at the Empress Hotel, well known for teatime at 4pm.

Downtown Victoria is beautiful, and the people are nice. However, since that area is highly frequented by tourists, beware of those who like to take advantage of tourists. While on business there, I was once charged $7.00 CDN for a 1-litre box of apple juice at a mini mart.

 

[wenabre]

Hi VickiVM,
How was your holiday? Hope you managed to get done what you wanted to and that the weather was fine!
Wendy

 

[VickiVM]

Thanks, everyone for your help. We had an AWESOME time in Victoria. We were only there for such a short time, but managed to take a tour of the city (saw some magnificent homes!), go to the Butchart Gardens, and I took a one hour walk along the Oak Bay marina and in the neighborhoods (which, at 7am, was just wonderful). It rained when we were at the gardens, but that just added to the beauty of them. We can't wait to go back and see more...just wasn't enough time. BTW, BC Canadians are just the friendliest and accomodating people...they rival us Texans!

Vicki