Rare cgolf1 Posted March 27, 2023 #1 Share Posted March 27, 2023 So to prepare for this cruise, how has everyone handled this? If we carry dollars will we get the right rate or will it be guestimated? The difficult thing is we have zero clue how much money that we will spend. Luckily we both have 1 card with no foreign transaction fees so we should be good for credit purchases. For stuff like stopping at a bar, Mug and Anchor, we would likely use cash. Not sure how many other things would require cash. Thanks in advance 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cruise NH Posted March 27, 2023 #2 Share Posted March 27, 2023 We go to Canada fairly frequently and I’ve never run into a place that would take USD, why would they. Just go to an ATM at the first port and get about 100 Canadian (approx $74 usd) and use your card for anything bigger. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare cgolf1 Posted March 27, 2023 Author #3 Share Posted March 27, 2023 2 minutes ago, Cruise NH said: We go to Canada fairly frequently and I’ve never run into a place that would take USD, why would they. Just go to an ATM at the first port and get about 100 Canadian (approx $74 usd) and use your card for anything bigger. Many years ago when we crossed into Windsor from Detroit, they did. Honestly in the Caribbean they all accept Dollars even though that is not the currency there. So it is a fair question. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spleenstomper Posted March 27, 2023 #4 Share Posted March 27, 2023 (edited) I plan to hit the ATM and don’t convert at the machine. Let your bank convert. And use CC. years ago in Vancouver and whistler they took US dollars, but they GREATLY APPRECIATED local currently. I used to get my bank to get me $100 before I left, but the exchange rate in doing that is not advantageous, so really it’s just easier to hit a ATM, but when it gives you the two button choice of convert or don’t convert, it’s usually better to hit don’t convert. Edited March 27, 2023 by spleenstomper 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare kazu Posted March 27, 2023 #5 Share Posted March 27, 2023 You can use US $ in Canada but the exchange rate will vary at different stores and outlets. They have to “sell” it to the bank and allow for risk of difference in the exchange rates. Just hit an ATM for some Canadian currency if you need it. And when using your credit card, as already mentioned, just pay in the currency (don’t choose convert) where you are and let your CC do the exchange. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mosaic Posted March 27, 2023 #6 Share Posted March 27, 2023 Most places in Canada will not take US dollars, just like we do not accept Canadian dollars in the US. Use a CC or ATM, simple. And Canadian money is nice looking also, lol. 4 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
waiting2retire Posted March 27, 2023 #7 Share Posted March 27, 2023 Since the pandemic, I rarely carry or use cash. Pretty much everything you are likely to purchase can be paid for with a debit or credit card. The exception I can think of would be if you wanted to give a tip after a prepaid tour. If you know this in advance, I would suggest, as others have, picking up a small amount of Canadian $ at your local bank for the best exchange rate. Most places will not accept USD, the same as I have yet to encounter an establishment in the US that will accept the pretty Canadian currency 😊. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare cgolf1 Posted March 27, 2023 Author #8 Share Posted March 27, 2023 I am surprised that US port towns or border towns don't take Canadian money, it actually makes sense which is likely why it isn't allowed. I am sure there are people that cross regularly that then either have to use a card or carry both currencies. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
waiting2retire Posted March 27, 2023 #9 Share Posted March 27, 2023 1 minute ago, cgolf1 said: I am surprised that US port towns or border towns don't take Canadian money, it actually makes sense which is likely why it isn't allowed. I am sure there are people that cross regularly that then either have to use a card or carry both currencies. I agree with you. Several years ago, I got turned around in Buffalo and ended up on a toll road by mistake. I didn’t even have enough US coins to pay the toll and when I offered Canadian quarters to make up the difference, was told to go ahead without paying rather than take the Canadian currency. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
highscar Posted March 27, 2023 #10 Share Posted March 27, 2023 I would certainly accept U.S. $. It would save me some huge exchange rate for my next cruise. You owe me 1.00 Canadian, give me 1.00 U.S. will save me about 38c ( per dollar) 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare LHT28 Posted March 27, 2023 #11 Share Posted March 27, 2023 2 hours ago, cgolf1 said: I am surprised that US port towns or border towns don't take Canadian money, it actually makes sense which is likely why it isn't allowed. I am sure there are people that cross regularly that then either have to use a card or carry both currencies. it is allowed but some places will not give you a favourable rate of exchange I would just get some $ before you leave home or if your Debit card will work in Canada use it most places take CC now some have a $5 spend limit some small shops or local transit may not We usually get some US cash before we go on a cruise partly to tip the crew any extra that we choose to reward Enjoy 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mets123 Posted March 27, 2023 #12 Share Posted March 27, 2023 Be careful with the container village in St. John and the local food truck vendors on the boardwalk in Halifax. They will accept US currency and give you charge in Canadian (without a conversation rate). If something is $7.00 Canadian, they will accept US currency and give change in Canadian. You lose the conversion rate each way. As others said, best to charge in Canada to get the best rates. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare LHT28 Posted March 27, 2023 #13 Share Posted March 27, 2023 26 minutes ago, mets123 said: Be careful with the container village in St. John and the local food truck vendors on the boardwalk in Halifax. They will accept US currency and give you charge in Canadian (without a conversation rate). If something is $7.00 Canadian, they will accept US currency and give change in Canadian. You lose the conversion rate each way. As others said, best to charge in Canada to get the best rates. well at least they will take USD have not found any US ports that take our funny money 😉 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shipgeeks Posted March 28, 2023 #14 Share Posted March 28, 2023 We got our Canadian money at Guest Services, and just didn't worry about the exchange rate. It was quick and easy, and we now have the $$ we will need for the occasional beaver tail or beer while ashore on our annual CNE cruises. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
princeton123211 Posted March 28, 2023 #15 Share Posted March 28, 2023 1 hour ago, shipgeeks said: We got our Canadian money at Guest Services, and just didn't worry about the exchange rate. You can literally go to any bank ATM in Canada with you US debit card and receive the current exchange rate without any markup like you'll most likely get at a ship's pursers desk. We all make choices for convenience-- I get it-- but you do have very easy ways here to save a bit. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
marys350 Posted March 28, 2023 #16 Share Posted March 28, 2023 Foreign currency can be ordered through AAA by members at your local office. Quick and easy. We use credit cards for some purchases, but always bring some local cash for taxis and small purchases where credit cards may not be accepted. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nitemare Posted March 28, 2023 #17 Share Posted March 28, 2023 I would use my no fee CC for all purchases. You get the best conversion rate that way and don't have to worry about carrying different kinds of cash or having leftovers. Many places in canada will happily take your us Dollars at a 1 to 1 exchange rate, which is lousy for you Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CGinMTL Posted April 22, 2023 #18 Share Posted April 22, 2023 On this itinerary, you have many stop in Canada. 30% is a huge rate difference,. If you just need a few dollars Cash,,. Find a Canadian on your roll call. I would gladly sell you some of my funny money for your usd At a rate that is win/ win for both parties Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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