barb in ga Posted August 10, 2023 #1 Share Posted August 10, 2023 We're on a NYC to Quebec City cruise next month. We will want to have a little cash on hand for small purchases as needed. Halifax is our first Canadian port; will I be able to find a cash point pretty close? We were in Vancouver in May before our Alaska cruise and found we were able to use credit cards for everything, but we may be looking to make some small purchases, water, snacks, post cards etc on this itinerary. Barb Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
princeton123211 Posted August 10, 2023 #2 Share Posted August 10, 2023 1 hour ago, barb in ga said: Halifax is our first Canadian port; will I be able to find a cash point pretty close? Yes-- there are many in town at physical banks but the closest one I found to the pier itself was in the lobby of the Westin Hotel which is right there by the ship. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shipgeeks Posted August 10, 2023 #3 Share Posted August 10, 2023 We got ours at Guest Services on the ship, and then didn't have to spend any time looking, nor studying the loonies and toonies. There was an exchange rate, of course, but great convenience. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CaribbeanBound Posted August 10, 2023 #4 Share Posted August 10, 2023 "Generally" I understand we get the best conversion rates from real bank ATMs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
barb in ga Posted August 11, 2023 Author #5 Share Posted August 11, 2023 Thanks everyone! Barb in GA Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ashland Posted August 11, 2023 #6 Share Posted August 11, 2023 We find it easier to just order online from our local bank...the small service fee..worth it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
marys350 Posted August 11, 2023 #7 Share Posted August 11, 2023 We purchase foreign currency through our local AAA office before our trip and it's usually available within 1-2 days of placing our order. Very convenient. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
princeton123211 Posted August 11, 2023 #8 Share Posted August 11, 2023 16 hours ago, CaribbeanBound said: "Generally" I understand we get the best conversion rates from real bank ATMs. Correct. The ATM at an actual Canadian bank will be the best rate you can get and you wont pay the fees you do at commercial exchanges or onboard the ship. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PigsCanFly Posted August 15, 2023 #9 Share Posted August 15, 2023 On 8/11/2023 at 1:31 AM, Ashland said: We find it easier to just order online from our local bank...the small service fee..worth it. We also went to our local bank and we were able to pay us$ and receive $Can in 2 days. The exchange rate was a little less than the going rate, but very convenient and far(!) better exchange rate than using us$ at vendors in Halifax last August. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
roomba920 Posted August 17, 2023 #10 Share Posted August 17, 2023 I hope you have an international calling plan. I didn't and my bank locked my debit card when I tried to use an ATM in Canada. They emailed me to ask if it was me, but I had no cell or internet service. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shipgeeks Posted August 17, 2023 #11 Share Posted August 17, 2023 One more reason to just get some in advance, I guess. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lx200gps Posted August 17, 2023 #12 Share Posted August 17, 2023 Lifelong Canadian here. While I understand the desire to get some small amount of cash, it's not absolutely necessary. I literally don't remember the last time I used cash, easily many years ago. Even a $1 purchase is easily done on my credit card, the machine doesn't care what the amount is and it avoids having to receive those annoying big coins as change. Up here we make extensive use of the tap and rarely even have to insert the CC into a reader and enter a PIN though that option will always be there if your card isn't so configured. The only exception I can think of is Costco which only accepts a very limited number of credit cards and we just use our ATM card when we're there. Have a great trip ;o) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CaribbeanBound Posted August 18, 2023 #13 Share Posted August 18, 2023 (edited) 17 hours ago, roomba920 said: I hope you have an international calling plan. I didn't and my bank locked my debit card when I tried to use an ATM in Canada. They emailed me to ask if it was me, but I had no cell or internet service. Good idea to notify your banks that issued your credit cards and ATM card before you leave. Of course some don't need to hear from you (Chase & AXP as they will attempt to contact you by text or email which may not be a good thing). The bank who issued my ATM card did want to know. Edited August 18, 2023 by CaribbeanBound Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
roomba920 Posted August 18, 2023 #14 Share Posted August 18, 2023 5 hours ago, CaribbeanBound said: Good idea to notify your banks that issued your credit cards and ATM card before you leave. Of course some don't need to hear from you (Chase & AXP as they will attempt to contact you by text or email which may not be a good thing). The bank who issued my ATM card did want to know. LOL, ya well I did, and ya, they told me I didn't need to notify them. Then they proceeded to lock me out of my account when I tried to use my debit card at a Canadian ATM. They shouldn't assume that everyone has an international cell phone plan. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CaribbeanBound Posted August 18, 2023 #15 Share Posted August 18, 2023 Agree! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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