BratmanXj Posted June 19, 2015 #1 Posted June 19, 2015 We're finally nearing the date for our Lake Erie loop trip and just want a few quick pointers. Passports and Canada insurance are all take care of, but what about cash & credit cards? I know debit for international transactions is a no-no. I'll call my credit cards this week and find out more from them. We are spending about 36 hr in Canada between the Niagara area and Windsor Area. Are American dollars readily accepted, travelers checks, or should I get cash converted over?
cowpuc Posted June 19, 2015 #2 Posted June 19, 2015 Never had any problem using USD in Canada.. Other way around has always been the issue..
friesman Posted June 19, 2015 #3 Posted June 19, 2015 As far as I know we take all the cash, credit cards, and even most debit cards that you would use at home. In a small number of mom and pop stores US cash is refused as there has been a rash of counterfeiting it. I am wagering that you wont notice any difference in how you pay for your stuff here thanwhen you pay at home. (most of our debit and credit card units are using the chip now, so it may be more secure to get your cards updated to the chip card if you still have the old ones.) Brian
djh3 Posted June 19, 2015 #4 Posted June 19, 2015 Last time I went (couple years ago) most of the area that boarder the US our bucks work OK. You need to look, usually usd are worth more on the exchange, so they are happy to take them. I took some Canadian bucks with me like $50, mostly I used one credit card I had called and told them I was going. When you use a credit card it figures the exchange rate automaticly for that day. Always worked good for me. Passport, an insurance card from your company with the Candian requirments. If the agent at the boarder asks you any questions at their shack, DONT step up to the window!!!!! I seemed to occupied her space and she didnt like it. Check wait times where your going to cross. Some have really long wait times.
SilvrT Posted June 19, 2015 #5 Posted June 19, 2015 Limit the use of US currency and use your credit card. Preferable to exchange for CAN money before you come and pay for incidentals with that. Using US currency, establishments might not give you as much of an exchange as a bank would. Due to the large gap between the CAN and US dollar now, I'm starting to see that places south of the border aren't accepting CAN money whereas they once did not so long ago. (course, that doesn't apply to you)
DblTrbl Posted June 19, 2015 #6 Posted June 19, 2015 (edited) I just exchanged USD for CD and for $103 USD I got $120 CD... I used AAA to do the exchange (they ordered thru Well Fargo). Decided to exchange since I was told that you can use USD in Nova Scotia but may not get a favorable (in your favor) exchange rate. If I spend all the CDs I will use my credit card because my bank with give me current exchange rates. Edited June 22, 2015 by DblTrbl
Atoolnut Posted June 19, 2015 #7 Posted June 19, 2015 think you got ripped off by your exchange...1usd=121.97cnd....1cnd=81c usd plus exchange...when we go to states use 1 credit card for all gas accomodation large restaurant bills...carry cash for small stuff..
Bert2006 Posted June 19, 2015 #8 Posted June 19, 2015 think you got ripped off by your exchange...1usd=121.97cnd....1cnd=81c usd plus exchange...when we go to states use 1 credit card for all gas accomodation large restaurant bills...carry cash for small stuff..
BratmanXj Posted June 19, 2015 Author #9 Posted June 19, 2015 Last time I used debit internationally they held a large chunk of money, I tend not to use debit anyways. I'm gonna call my CC company and inform them that I'm traveling since I've been declined at the gas station across the street from my house for making to large a purchase! If we're only over there a day 1/2 I'll just wing it with US Currency, I don't think we'll be doing to much Mom & Pop type stuff but more traveling. Thanks Guys!
Marcarl Posted June 19, 2015 #10 Posted June 19, 2015 So when is it that you're going to invade our country. We'd like to show hospitality and greet you,,,, but if you want to stay hidden, that's OK as well,,,,, sounds like you might be going right through our territory.
Kozubek Posted June 19, 2015 #11 Posted June 19, 2015 I was just there in Kingston last month helping to train their mlitary forces in Civil Affairs. Call your bank and credit card companies before you go or they will be shut off the first time you use them. Current exchange rate is 1 US Dollar to 1.23 Canadian Dollars. Everything is more expensive there, for example a pack of cigarrettes is $11.00 and gas was $1.25 per litter. Most places will accept US dollars but not all compute the exchange rate. I know Tim Hortons will accept US currency and with the exchange rate give you Canadian currency back. Some banks do not charge you for the conversion at the ATM but most do, ask your bank/credit card company. I have USAA and they did not. Tom
bongobobny Posted June 19, 2015 #12 Posted June 19, 2015 So when is it that you're going to invade our country. We'd like to show hospitality and greet you,,,, but if you want to stay hidden, that's OK as well,,,,, sounds like you might be going right through our territory.Same here! Be glad to show you some of Western New York as well!
steamer Posted June 19, 2015 #13 Posted June 19, 2015 You mentioned insurance. what insurance are you referring to?
BratmanXj Posted June 19, 2015 Author #14 Posted June 19, 2015 You mentioned insurance. what insurance are you referring to? I have Foremost coverage on the motorcycle, simple to contact your agent and request a Non-Resident Motor Vehicle insurance card. No cost, wait a few days and TaDa you have coverage in Canada I know Tim Hortons will accept US currency and with the exchange rate give you Canadian currency back. Is it possible to go to Canada with stopping at a Tim Hortons So when is it that you're going to invade our country. We'd like to show hospitality and greet you,,,, but if you want to stay hidden, that's OK as well,,,,, sounds like you might be going right through our territory. Its mostly riding planned, leaving next Friday the 26th. Friday Chicago - Cleveland Saturday Cleveland - Niagara Falls, ON Sunday Niagara - Windsor Monday Windsor - Chicago
cowpuc Posted June 19, 2015 #15 Posted June 19, 2015 Last time I used debit internationally they held a large chunk of money, I tend not to use debit anyways. I'm gonna call my CC company and inform them that I'm traveling since I've been declined at the gas station across the street from my house for making to large a purchase! If we're only over there a day 1/2 I'll just wing it with US Currency, I don't think we'll be doing to much Mom & Pop type stuff but more traveling. Thanks Guys! That was what I reading between the lines Gary.. For a couple days of riding, its almost funner to just pay with USA and then look at the station attendants and tell em the exchange rate is their tip - always gets a God bless us big spenders:witch_brew:
Marcarl Posted June 19, 2015 #16 Posted June 19, 2015 Do you have out of state health insurance? if you want to enjoy the falls, see it from your side,, and may I inform you that it takes more than 2 hours to do it half decently right??
Kozubek Posted June 19, 2015 #17 Posted June 19, 2015 Quote Originally Posted by Kozubek View Post I know Tim Hortons will accept US currency and with the exchange rate give you Canadian currency back. Not if you want coffee
Atoolnut Posted June 20, 2015 #18 Posted June 20, 2015 its a rule here..no more than 2 hrs riding then stop at Tim Hortons..repeat as neccessary
jimmy99 Posted June 20, 2015 #19 Posted June 20, 2015 Leave your guns at home, don't need them here. The border guys won't let you in the country with them and you must declare the guns you have with you when entering Canada. If you try to sneak them in, they might ban you from coming back, destroy your firearms, fine you, jail you, or all the above. Quick google search found this helpful site... http://www.ezbordercrossing.com/the-inspection-experience/transporting-firearms/bringing-a-firearm-into-canada/#.VYVlTvlVhBc Otherwise, enjoy the beauty of the Lake Erie coast and all the towns and villages along it.
BratmanXj Posted June 21, 2015 Author #20 Posted June 21, 2015 No intention of bringing a gun with...about the only "weapon" is a pocket knife and Gerber multi-tool
jimmy99 Posted June 21, 2015 #21 Posted June 21, 2015 No intention of bringing a gun with...about the only "weapon" is a pocket knife and Gerber multi-tool Lol, those are likely acceptable. I wouldn't bother mentioning those at the border and especially don't call them weapons or the border patrol might get overly excited. I thought I would mention the gun thing since some of the Americans I know carry so often they actually forget they have it in their car. Then get into trouble as they attempt to enter Canada.
DblTrbl Posted June 22, 2015 #22 Posted June 22, 2015 my other thread stated I got 103 CD for 103 USD.....my typo....I got 120 CD for 103 US
Rdfroese Posted June 24, 2015 #23 Posted June 24, 2015 Bring travel health insurance if you haven't mentioned that already...
BratmanXj Posted June 24, 2015 Author #24 Posted June 24, 2015 The wifes BCBS covers us...already called.
Sailor Posted June 24, 2015 #25 Posted June 24, 2015 All the above. Bring cash,credit,debit but leave the guns at home. You can run into real problems and big fines at the border.
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