Do we need Canadian Currency?

[pteague]

DH and I will be staying in Vancouver for a couple of days before leaving on our inside passage cruise. We'll use our credit card for most purchases, but do we need Canadian money for tipping? We're hoping that US dollars will be okay.

Thanks!

[cruiseryyc]

While US$ will be "okay" for tipping, you do realize you are in a different country that has it's own currency, I can't use CDN$ in the USA. If you use US$ in stores, you will get change back in CDN$ and you won't be getting a great exchange rate. You can go to any ATM in Vancouver and get some CDN$.

[cruiseryyc]

USD will be okay but you can easily get CDN$ from any ATM machine in Vancouver. If you use USD in stores, you will get change back in CDN and at a lousy exchange rate.

[swdke]

DH and I will be staying in Vancouver for a couple of days before leaving on our inside passage cruise. We'll use our credit card for most purchases, but do we need Canadian money for tipping? We're hoping that US dollars will be okay.

Thanks!

 

Surprisingly, USD is okay. I went skiing in Whistler this past March and although I brought Canadian currency, my buddies didn't and had no problem using their USD. However, if tipping, say at restaurants, why not just put the tip on the credit card.

 

Also, FYI, Capital One credit card does not charge an exchange rate fee which many other credit cards do which can be 2-3% of charges. I guess that's not too bad for small purchases, but if you were spending a lot, say for example, car rentals, hotels, and tours, such cost could add up for the exchange rate fee. But, if you don't see yourself spending much, then I guess it doesn't really matter so much.

[pteague]

Thanks for the information! I'm almost 100% positive we will only use cash for tipping but I will keep in mind that we will receive Canadian currency in change if we do make any purchases. If I'm reading between the lines correctly, it sounds as if people receiving tips would appreciate Canandian money over US. Am I correct?

[Been There, Planning That]

As our two currencies hover around par either currency is great for tipping. When your dollar is worth more, American money would be best!

 

But, as I mentioned in a similar thread, who would turn down a tip?

 

And your paper ones and fives are great for tipping over our loonies and toonies.