Can you use american dollars in canada

Some credit cards have a Foreign Usage Fee tacked on for usage outside of the issuing country. Check with your card issuer for exact details.

You could always use your bank card to withdraw money from an ATM. Thanks for asking about this. Many Canadian merchants will take US dollars -- the rate is set by the individual merchant and will vary from very good for a merchant who's essentially giving US visitors an extra discount to very poor for a merchant who's happy to take advantage of people unfamiliar with exchanging money. In all cases you'd get any change in Canadian currency. But aside from the deal you get, spending US cash at stores and restaurants in Canada can be perceived as disrespectful by some people.

Unlike developing countries where US dollars are sometimes preferred to local currency, here getting receiving US cash is a burden for merchants: they have to track US currency separately and ultimately pay the costs of exchanging it. That's why most on this forum will encourage you, if paying in cash, to use only Canadian dollars as a gesture of respect when visiting a foreign country with its own currency.

There are several different ways to convert your money. The simple rule on exchanging money is that it's never free, but some ways are better than others. Your plans to use your credit card as much as possible make a lot of sense, as it will give you access to an extremely good exchange rate. Similarly, the best way to get Canadian cash is to withdraw directly from your US account using your bank card in an ATM at any major Canadian bank.

Just don't make a lot of small withdrawals, because the ATM fees add up that way. Get a few hundred dollars at a time. I don't think anyone is asking or intentionally being 'disrespectful' when asking this questions.

I deal with American tourists in Canada all summer long. I think part of the reason we Canadians take Americans' apparent hesitancy to exchange their greenbacks for loonies so negatively is that even though we are the US's largest trading partner which many Americans are not aware of , and millions of Canadians visit the US every year, it is almost unheard of for American merchants to "return the favour" and accept Canadian currency down there.

Many Canadians visiting the US have had the experience of having Canadian coins almost thrown back at them when they inadvertently were mixed in with American coins as payment, as if they were transit tokens or something not to mention the frequent "cracks" about our colourful bills as "funny money".

By the way, swdke, US coins are accepted here just like Canadian ones - you won't get any exchange on them. However, they do not always work in vending machines, parking meters etc. Using our currency when you visit our country is appreciated, as a gesture of respect and an acknowledgement of our differences and of the fact that we are another country, not just another large US state to the north. I don't think Americans are being intentionally disrespectful either.

But I do wonder why they sometimes consider this an option in Canada when they certainly would not in countries like Argentina, Brazil, Japan, Switzerland or Australia. Each is a sovereign country with its own laws, politics, currency and cultural differences.

I think it's being overlooked in that regard that seems "disrespectful. Had forgotten to change my cash over on the plane.

I had a Canadian penny pushed back at me with a rude comment at a store in Washington state a while back. To this day, I don't know how it surfaced in my change because I keep the currencies strictly segregated. I didn't say anything in response, but in our numerous trips down there over the years, I have never bought anything again at that store.

I may go in to look to see what new merchandise is available, but I always go somewhere else to buy it. This topic gets touchy. I tried to choose my words carefully in my reply 2 above. If the impression it gave doesn't match the intentions I'm about to explain, please let me know. They just don't know what those customs are -- that's why they're here. I understand the frustration some Canadians have based on past experience, but I think it's unfair to apply that to all Americans.

Exchanging currency is pretty straightforward, particularly if you are changing U. Most banks on both sides of the border will exchange U.

However, the easiest way to procure Canadian currency is simply to withdraw money from an ATM. Often, Canadian businesses will accept U. It's always advisable to bring money in a variety of forms on a vacation: a mix of cash, credit cards, and traveler's checks.

You should also exchange enough petty cash to cover airport incidentals, tipping, and transportation to your hotel before you leave home, or withdraw money upon arrival at an airport ATM. The easiest and best way to get cash away from home is from an ATM automated teller machine , sometimes referred to as a "cash machine" or a "cashpoint. Avoid exchanging money at commercial exchange bureaus and hotels, which often have the highest transaction fees.

The Cirrus tel. Go to your bank card's website to find ATM locations at your destination. Be sure you know your daily withdrawal limit before you depart.

In addition, the bank from which you withdraw cash may charge its own fee. For international withdrawal fees, ask your bank. However, that's not always the case for Americans hoping to use U. Though you shouldn't have an issue using American cash at most major retailers and tourist destinations in Canada, keep in mind that Canadian retailers are free to set their own exchange rate between Canadian and U. Canadian banks will likely offer better exchange rates between U. Otherwise, you should be able to make the currency exchange at airport kiosks, border crossings and shopping malls.

It's common for Canadian retailers to accept American currency, but it's not universal. Your best bet for paying in American cash in Canada is in border areas and tourist destinations, such as parts of Ontario north of the Michigan border ; tourist-heavy hotels, restaurants and shopping spots; and areas that receive a lot of foot traffic from Americans, such as the national parks in British Columbia.

However, smaller cities and retailers in rural areas are more likely to require cash payments in Canadian dollars. Moreover, most coin-operated machines, such as parking meters and laundromat machines, will accept only Canadian currency.