So, financial gurus: Help! (Our Canada Trip)

[matcom]

since we will be staying Canadian side at Niagra, and the fact that the dollar isn't worth SHITE these days (U.S.) would it be more advantageous for us to spend our 'murican paper up there or convert to Canadian $$ at the bank or pay for everything in love beads?

thx

[auntAgonist]

1. we're going to Canada too!

Same place. Meeting friends from Scotland. Staying at the Brock :)

Enjoy your trip, exchange your money when you get there, I think.


aA

[matcom]

3. we will be there this weekend

you?

[auntAgonist]

25. 8, 9 , and 10th June ..

I hope you have a great time!
aA

[BikeWriter]

5. Be careful going there the same time as Matcom!

The government may declare an emergency! :cry:

[terrya]

2. I don't know if the Canadian dollar is at parity yet

I'd still, if I were you, convert your American dollars to Canadian.

[yvr girl]

4. You'll get a better rate at the bank than you will at stores/restaurants

They always pad the exchange a bit. Or use your credit card - you'll get the going rate on the day of the transaction.

[no name no slogan]

6. Exactly. Use the credit card.

Last time I was in Canada, I got $$$ directly from a Canadian ATM-- just enough to walk around with.

Otherwise, I used my Visa debit card for everything else (hotels, restaurants, gas, etc.).

[matcom]

7. what about getting Canadian $$ from our bank down here?

is there a difference?

[yvr girl]

8. It should be about the same

[taterguy]

10. your ATM card will work there and spit out canadian money

[NewJeffCT]

14. What she said

Banks will likely give you the best rate.

And, to see if you'd get a better rate in Canada vs the US, do a quick online check on money changing at a local bank vs a Canadian one.

[Spider Jerusalem]

9. Exchanging currency at a bank in the States would probably be more costly.

You'd be better off using a debit/ATM card at an ATM in Canada, really; the transaction fee is nominal (something like 1%, IIRC) and even foreign ATMs are going to be part of the Cirrus network...so you'll get the best rate that way (vs. as much as 5% going through a bank or currency exchange broker before you leave).

[matcom]

11. thanks. that sounds like the best plan

*bows*

[kay1864]

12. Yes indeed

In Canada or Europe:

1. Never get foreign currency at your local bank. Way too costly.

2. Don't bother with traveler's checks either, since you pay a fee to convert to local currency (plus the rate isn't as good) (exception: see #4)

3. For the best rate, use your credit card extensively, especially to pay your lodging bill.

4. For local currency, use the ATM's. Get 3 or 4 days' worth of local cash at the airport when you arrive (there's always an ATM in the airport). If you need more cash later, most cities have ATM's. (exception: smaller European cities, esp. in Eastern bloc countries, might not have ATM's. If you're going to be staying in one, take some traveler's checks, and convert when you get there)

4a. Hint for using up your local currency when you're leaving: keep enough to pay for transportation to the airport, and airport exit fees, if any. Use what's leftover to pay towards your lodging, and put the remainder of your hotel bill on your credit card. That way you don't lose money at the currency exchange at the airport.

[kick-ass-bob]

13. Just send me all your money.

I'll send you all the loonies that I have.

:D

[tjwmason]

15. Offer sexual favours as bartering.

:shrug:

[Midlodemocrat]

16. If you provide me with all of your bank account information

I will deposit Canadien money in your account within 30 days.

[matcom]

17. oooooo

is your family ROYALTY?

:rofl:

[Midlodemocrat]

18. You have to ask? You've seen my daughter's picture.

She reeks of regal.

[matcom]

19. i thought that was

Ripple :rofl:

at least it was last saturday :D

[Midlodemocrat]

22. Ha. Say that to this cute little face.

[matcom]

23. what is she doing with THAT geek?

ccchhhhrrrrrriiissstttt

his pocket protector must be behind his back :eyes:

[Midlodemocrat]

24. Ha.Ha.Ha.

Doesn't she look cute?

[underpants]

20. The have banks in Canada?

I thought they just trade pelts and whale meat and seals to each other for hockey nets and tukes.

[matcom]

21. is the hunt still on up there?

our winery tours last only half a day :hide:

[WCGreen]

26. Use your American Express Card.....

They give you real time valuation....

You have to pay fees for the Canadian money...

If you don't have AMEX, see if your credit card does the exchange.....