Scotty H asked:
I plan on staying in Vancouver for a couple of days before boarding on a cruise ship to Alaska. I plan on making most purchases with credit card. Would I need to exchange American dollars for Canadien dollars for cab rides and other forms of transportation?
on May 9th, 2009 at 5:28 am
I am in Vancouver. You do not need to exchange any money as we accept US dollars. However, if you have Canadian dollars with you, you will save on the exchage rates merchants charge which is higher than any bank I know.
on May 12th, 2009 at 6:01 am
It’s all about the exchange rate, you will get the best rate with your credit card. However it sounds like you will need some cash to carry around with you. If you are bussing or using the Skytrain you will definately need Canadian cash. At present you will get a little more if you exchange it in preparation for your trip, or do like i do and get cash back in the Canadian currency when you shop….walmart save on just ask if they do cash back. or you can use an ATM but there will be bank charges. In short it is probably best to have some Canadian Cash with you to save you from “problems” from unscrupulous merchants…..
on May 14th, 2009 at 12:44 pm
Changing currency is not necessary in Vancouver, but you might want to exchange some of your U.S. dollars. You should be able to get $1.05 Canadian’s worth for $1 American (the current rate is $1.07). Unless you’re going to be spending a lot of money here, it might not be worth the trouble to exchange, because the values are so close.
on May 16th, 2009 at 9:16 pm
Change a little for small items and cab rides: use a day pass to see the city by transit $ 8.,oo or $ 6.00 for seniors.. Buses need exact coin fare..If your near Waterfront station machines can sell tickets,, see tourismvancouver hellobc.. to see stanly park take 19 bus on pender a free bus takes you around the park
on May 20th, 2009 at 5:01 am
No its not necessary, especially if you’re using your credit card most of the time. When you use your credit card your bank will credit you the difference. I shop in the states all the time and on my statements I see where the made the difference due to the exchange rate.
Just keep in mind if you plan on using any cash you should go to your bank and change some money over. The reason I say this is all places do not give the exact exchange rate. The only places I notice that give what the actual daily exchange rate is grocery stores and the banks. If you buy a drink at a convience store you get ripped off really bad because they set their own exchange.
As for cab rides and whatnot you should probably have some Canadian money on you because that is the simplest way to pay. And of course you don’t want the cabbie to rip you off. I have a friend from PA and she got ripped off bad by a cabbie.
Have fun!! =)
on May 22nd, 2009 at 4:27 am
No, everyone accepts American cash, however, not everyone will give you an exchange on it. Most places will, but cabs and the like won’t. If you are only here for a few days, I woulnd’t worry about it, especially if you are using credit cards.
on May 23rd, 2009 at 3:09 pm
Most places in Canada will take US dollars because they are worth slightly more. But they may only take them at parr, and they will give you your change in Canadian dollars.