I'm asking from those who have been through Canada, should one carry some Canadian currency, my concern is that running into a place that won't accept US dollars and don't accept credit or debt card. This will be our first trip through Canada on the way to Alaska.

c.traveler2 wrote:I'm asking from those who have been through Canada, should one carry some Canadian currency, my concern is that running into a place that won't accept US dollars and don't accept credit or debt card. This will be our first trip through Canada on the way to Alaska.Canada has really come a longways, they even have ATMs now, the CC companies do the conversion automatically. really !

One should carry Canadian currency, at least enough to fill your truck with fuel. It isn't uncommon for the networks to fail, for various reasons, which means no one's credit or debit card will work. I've been in Whitehorse on several occasions when the machines were down and it was cash only, so I also carry enough to grocery shop when I'm in the city.One trip out, Toad River on the Alaska Hwy in northern B.C. had no phone or internet working. To get fuel, it was cash only or wait for the systems to get back online. We had enough cash to fill up and carry on.

What would you tell a Canadian traveling in the US? Yes it is always nice to have cash but not necessary.

When we passed through we didn't worry about any Canadian currency. Figured we'd use an ATM machine if we needed it, but never had to.Bill

c.traveler2 wrote:I'm asking from those who have been through Canada, should one carry some Canadian currency, my concern is that running into a place that won't accept US dollars and don't accept credit or debt card. This will be our first trip through Canada on the way to Alaska.If you are just "Passing through" you could probably get by without Canadian currency but it would be wise to have a small amount with you, even if it's just to stop at McDonalds!Most places accept US debit/credit cards but there is no guarantee.Asking them to accept "Foreign" currency could be interpreted as rude. And if they do, expect to take a bath on their exchange calculations!Imagine trying to use Canadian currency at your local stores! Only last week I even had one fish a Canadian nickel out of a pile of change saying "We can't accept that". Well, I got from a US store somewhere!Where to get it? Most ATMs will accept your US bank card.Or you can stop at a currency exchange booth just after you cross the border. Most crossings have one.

Canadian Currency | Good Sam Community

66 Replies

Tom_Barb
Explorer
Mar 05, 2015
Tom/Barb wrote:
This morning the exchange rate is .80c US to 1 Canadian. 1 US to 1.25 C.

carry US and do the math.
Tom_Barb
Explorer
Mar 05, 2015
This morning the exchange rate is 80. US to 1.25 Canadian.

carry US and do the math.
almcc
Explorer
Mar 05, 2015
dieharder wrote:
almcc wrote:
One other thing I've noticed is that an increasing number of service stations in Canada are posting signs at the pumps saying US card owners have to go to the cashier, the pay at the pump doesn't work. It may be the issue of non-chipped US card vs. our chipped/pinned cards.

Could also be retribution for us Canuks having to go to the cashier in the US because of zip vs. postal codes! :)

Even with the "work around" in the US, some pumps still don't accept the Canadian cards.

In all honesty, I have only once been to a gas station where you HAVE to even pay at the pump or pre-pay here in Canada.

I see you haven't been to BC. Someone from there can confirm, but BC passed a regulation that you have to surrender your card to the cashier before pumping in stations that don't read cards at the pump. It's my understanding that this came about as a result of a death of a cashier who tried to prevent a "drive off". This regulation is in spite of your card member agreement not to surrender your card in this manner.

As to paying at the pump, it's my preference as waiting in line at the cash (and sometimes for the cashier to finish his/her lunch!)isn't worth the hassle.
kaydeejay
Explorer
Mar 05, 2015
mudrat wrote:
Can anyone recommend an exchange rate app that updates and stays current?
This website will give you mid-market rate.
Adjust approx 2.5% either way depending on whether you are buying or selling to get an approximate equivalent.
Most credit/debit cards will ALSO ding you a 2.5% "Foreign transaction fee", although there are a few that don't.
mudrat
Explorer
Mar 05, 2015
Can anyone recommend an exchange rate app that updates and stays current?
Islandman
Explorer II
Mar 05, 2015
I agree with others, especially SideHillSoup. Carry enough cash to buy a tank of fuel, go to a restaurant, Tim Horton's, small change for farmer's markets, etc. I usually take about $200 CAD. And right now the exchange rate is in your favor; about $.80 USD to $1.00 CAD. Using CA money saves a lot of time when you're buying something with cash. Go to a Canadian bank or use an ATM to get CAD $.
dieharder
Explorer
Mar 05, 2015
almcc wrote:
One other thing I've noticed is that an increasing number of service stations in Canada are posting signs at the pumps saying US card owners have to go to the cashier, the pay at the pump doesn't work. It may be the issue of non-chipped US card vs. our chipped/pinned cards.

Could also be retribution for us Canuks having to go to the cashier in the US because of zip vs. postal codes! :)

Even with the "work around" in the US, some pumps still don't accept the Canadian cards.

In all honesty, I have only once been to a gas station where you HAVE to even pay at the pump or pre-pay here in Canada.
pianotuna
Nomad III
Mar 05, 2015
Hi,

It would be prudent to carry enough for a single fill up of fuel.

I got caught in USA on propane. It took me an hour to drive around to get to an atm. I was most annoyed mostly at myself.
almcc
Explorer
Mar 05, 2015
One other thing I've noticed is that an increasing number of service stations in Canada are posting signs at the pumps saying US card owners have to go to the cashier, the pay at the pump doesn't work. It may be the issue of non-chipped US card vs. our chipped/pinned cards.

Could also be retribution for us Canuks having to go to the cashier in the US because of zip vs. postal codes! :)

Even with the "work around" in the US, some pumps still don't accept the Canadian cards.
Pangaea_Ron
Explorer
Mar 05, 2015
tonymull wrote:
Do not however get your canadian currency from your bank. They eat you alive. Just use your debit card at a canadian ATM or visit a currency exchange.

My bank exchange rate is better that I can get at the ATM or currency exchanges? Call your own bank and compare for the best rate.

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