I'm traveling to Canada should I convert my US dollars to Canadian right away? Or just use my US money there?

Question

It's my first time traveling to Niagara Falls and will only be staying 3 days but I would just like some advice on what to do. Thanks!

Answer 1

Convert it now. The US dollar is only getting worse.
(Normally my advice would be the same as above, take money out of ATMs--but right now the USD is getting worse so take what advantage you can.)

(I think in a touristy border place like Niagara Falls, pretty much any store or restaurant will accept USD. But they might give you more than 1 CAD for it.)

Answer 2

Let's do a little reality check here. Do Canadians use Canadian dollars when they are in the US? Nope. Why? Because the US has its own currency. So does Canada.
You don't have to bring a wad of cash to Canada and convert it. They have ATMs all over the place. Just bring your bank card and take out what you need. It's a better way to do things, because the exchange rate constantly changes, and that way you are only converting what you will need while you are there.
You can use your American Express, or Master Charge, or Visa to pay for meals, hotels, etc. So all you are really talking about is some pocket money, and money for admission to things like the Maid of the Mist (the little boat that goes UNDER the Falls, something you won't want to miss.)
Enjoy your visit, and come back soon.

Answer 3

Convert to Canadian. You will get more for your money I guarantee you.

I am Canadian and just returned from our yearly trip to the falls. The exchange rate varies from store to store but ranges from 5% to (if you're lucky) 10%. It's a rip-off b/c you are already paying double if not more for everything since it's a high tourist volume area.

Check out getting a Niagara Falls Great Gorge Adventure Pass (this will save you lots of money if you're looking to do the major attractions like Maid of the Mist, Journey Behind the Falls, Rapids Walk, Butterfly Conservatory, People Mover Bus and Incline Railway are all included in this).

I suggest the Comfort Inn Hotel on Clifton Hill. We just stayed there. The continental breakfast isn't the greatest but it's free, it has a pool/hottub that are clean and nice, the rooms are clean and it's not noisy, and it's CLOSE to everything - oh and free parking.

Happy vacation!

Answer 4

Convert in the US. Most places won't give you an exchange rate once your in Canada because the Canadian dollar is so close to the US$ right now. More stores (ie. gas stations and such) just go even. Banks will still give you an exchange, but it's probably a good idea to do your money change in the US.

Answer 5

There will be many places that close to the border that will accept US currency, but the exchange rate will be lousy. Besides, part of the fun of being in another country is using their money.

My advice, from personal experience, is to cross the border and pull money from your bank account using an ATM at a Canadian bank. You'll be the best exchange rate and the least amount of hassle. Yes, you will probably have "non-bank" ATM charges, but they'll be less than what you'd pay to get your money exchanged elsewhere.

Answer 6

I wouldn't use your US dollars here in Canada - although you are allowed to. Most places don't give you as good of an exchange rate as the banks do so I would convert it. My dad is a truck driver and crosses the border several times a week - he would never even consider using his american money (even the small change) when he's home in Canada.

Answer 7

You may get a better deal converting it at each place you go . They tend to be more generous than the bank. But, watch that inept tellers don't accidentally short change you. Some stores still have to figure it out on a calculator and if they are not proficient at exchange work, they may mess it up.

Answer 8

either way you could convert it when you get here. Im from toronto and ill just give a heads up that not all stores give you the proper exchange rate. They already have a predetermined rate like 30%. so if you dont change it in the us, change it when you get here and go to a money exchange .
good luck and hope you enjoy your visit to the oh so beautiful CANADA!

Answer 9

I usually take only 50 dollars Canadian with me, and then get money from the ATM on the Canadian side
Why do you think your US $$ is accepted in a foreign country?
You get a better exchange rate when you get $$ from the ATM

Answer 10

The exchange right now is about 12 cents on the dollar at most places in the falls. So If you want you can but it really isn't even worth it.