Traveling in Canada

[Doug Huse]

Don't know how many riders have ridden in Canada, but being from Southern California I haven't done any. In june I will be heading up there for probably 5days and 4 nites. I'll be in British Columbia and Alberta. What is the best way to handle finances while in Canada? It looks like the exchange rate right now is quite comparable. Will I need to get Canadian money? Do most places take American money? Should I just use my debit card for everything? Inquiring minds what to know. Thanks,

[G wizz]

Yes, U.S. dollars spend well in Canada ... although I'd suggest stopping at the first bank you come to once you cross over, and get your U.S. $$ exchanged for Cananidan $$. You'll get more bang for your buck that way.
Best to use a credit card. Those automaticlly convert to Canaidian $$ at the going exchange rate.

[Alan]

I found it easier to convert to Canadian after I passed into Canada at Portal, SK. Much easier to have some Loonies and Twonies to pay for your coffee and donut at Tim Hortons. Using the credit card for hotel rooms is fine, but buying stuff at the gas station convenience store is a lot easier with the correct money.

[Timmer]

I've found that US$$ and Canadian $$ are both accepted as well as plastic. Be aware that your CC will probably charge you a 1% foreign currency fee on every transaction. If you have questions about that fee, check with your CC company. I generally use plastic for fuel and lodging and gifts and sit down meals. Everything else, I use cash. I try to change my money at my local bank before I go.

[Ironheadziggy76]

I went to my local bank and ordered about $500.00 before I left for AK last summer. They did it through American Express, and it cost me about $460.00 to get $500.00 CND including the $20.00 fee.

Like others have said I used a CC to pay at the pump, and used it at Wally World to buy oil when I serviced the bike and picked up other supplies.

[RSnyder]

When I went 2 years ago I found it best to use the Credit Card. Every where I went accepted my card so there was no exchange hassles. I found that the exchange rate was better on the card then what my buddy had when he used cash.

[Alan]

When I went 2 years ago I found it best to use the Credit Card. Every where I went accepted my card so there was no exchange hassles. I found that the exchange rate was better on the card then what my buddy had when he used cash.

I only had issues with my Shell gasoline card. The Canadian Shell stations would not accept the US Shell card at the pump. You had to go inside the station and they would swipe the card using their card reader. Happened to me several times.