bring cash to canada or withdraw there?

[marc3565]

Oh and make sure to spend or exchange your Canadian loonies and twonies ($1 and $2 coins) back to USD before you return to the US. US banks will convert Canadian bills for you (for a fee and it takes time) but they won't touch coins

[JeRrYcRaCk]

Originally Posted by Habfanman

You should probably send it to me because I know this guy.. best rates in town.

So yeah, just send it to me.

this is hilarious. u should quit ur job immediately and pursue a job in stand up comedy.

[ScooterMcTavish]

Originally Posted by lucknow

I always exchange my money from Canadian to American at the duty free store. They seem to have as good an exchange rate as anyone. I exchange my leftover USD back to Canadian on my way home.

This.

The duty free usually offers an attractive rate so that you'll go buy booze, smokes, and perfume while you're in there.

If you're not coming by road when you can hit up a duty-free, then I'd suggest checking rates before you come.

BOA for New York State is right now charging $1.0306US per Canadian dollar as per their website.

Scotiabank in Canada is giving $1.002500 CDN per $1 US.

Looks like the Canadian banks are offering a better exchange. However, keep in mind that even on $1,000, this difference is worth about $30.50. Decide if that amount is worth the hassle.

Other than that, don't depend on merchants, as they will usually give you the worst rate. Making purchases by credit card isn't a bad idea either - the bank usually gives a better rate on credit purchases than they will for currency exchange.

Hope you enjoy your visit here.

[snj90]

The times I went to Canada I stopped by my local AAA office beforehand and got Canadian dollars in tip packs. I don't think there were any fees for that. Obviously that will only work if you're a AAA member, though.

[stufried]

Here is more info on the Bank of America/Scotiabank alliance:

Global ATM Alliance - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

https://www.bankofamerica.com/deposi...aq-atm-fees.go

[GM10]

Just exchange cash at your local bank and bring Canadian Dollars.

[jambo101]

Its been my experience when bringing a whack of American money to a Canadian bank to exchange for Canadian money the first question the teller will ask you is do you have an account at this bank? if you dont the usual response is sorry we cant help you.
Best bet is to bring Canadian money from your bank in the US then use a Canadian ATM if you need more cash.

[jgar477]

If you are close to a Key Bank in NY most of the time they have Canadian currency at a pretty good rate.

[GregW]

Our technique is to stop at the Duty Free shop and exchange enough cash for restaurant meals etc at the border. Then we remove all of our American Cash and put it in a baggie for the rest of the trip and uses Canadian only. Last year we took the "shortcut" from Niagara Falls to Sarnia on our way to Yellowstone. We stopped at a small diner and used some Canadian money we had saved (in the former US money baggie). The cashier said "You've been keeping this for a while, hey". Apparently Canada had drastically changed their money. She took the old cash anyway.


I will ask my bank if they will allow me to use my Debit/Credit card in Canada next time we spend more then a couple of days in the country. As I am planning a trip to Newfoundland a couple of days will be well exceeded.

[ToyYot]

Last trip to Canada I just used my credit card for everything including small purchases like Tim Hortons and Macs. Most cost effective and efficient way IMO. Had no Canadian cash whatsoever.