Paying at the pump in Canada (Fairbanks, Haines: credit, gated, lodging)

[oniesue2]

Planning on the move to Alaska in a few weeks. Just checking to see if anyone out there knew how plentiful gas stations were that actually took credit cards at the pump.

[Rance]

Here's fuel prices:
The MILEPOST: Gas Prices

Gas, food and lodging are found along the Alaska Highway on an average of every 20 to 50 miles. (The longest stretch without services is about 100 miles.) Not all businesses are open year-round, nor are most services available 24 hours a day. There are dozens of government and private campgrounds along the highway.

Remember that you will be driving in 2 different countries that use 2 different currencies: For the best rate, exchange your money at a bank. There are banks in Dawson Creek, Fort St. John, Fort Nelson, Watson Lake, Whitehorse, Tok, Delta Junction and Fairbanks. Haines Junction has banking service at the general store.

[warptman]

Have you picked up the latest Milepost? That is a good place to start. Where are you starting your drive from? Most of the larger cities have credit card pumps. The smaller places in northern British Columbia don't have them, they have people that pump the gas for you, that goes for the Yukon as well. Always keep your gas tank on the top side of half, don't wander too far below that, in other words, gas up every opportunity you have. A majority of the gas stations are closed in the winter, but the farthest you go between fillings will be around 100 miles. You'll want to slow way down when you see a semi approaching, they don't slow down and they do kick up a lot of pea gravel that they lay on top of the road for traction. The Canadian road crew are out right away after a snow storm and are great about keeping the road clear.

Here are a few websites to keep in mind before your trip or you can check during your trip, most places have wifi now and you can bring your laptop.

Drive BC British Columbia Road conditions

Yukon Road Report Conditions in the Yukon

Alaska Road Traveler Information Service Road conditions in Alaska and the Yukon

Alaska Travel Information - Highway and Road Conditions, Weather, Airports, Traffic and Transit More Alaska reports, also can check all roads in Canada.

[Barkingowl]

Here are a couple sites for gas prices too.

Alaska Gas Prices - Find Cheap Gas Prices in Alaska
Alaska Gas Prices - Find the Lowest Gas Prices in Alaska
British Columbia Gas Prices - Find the Lowest Gas Prices in British Columbia

[Rance]

I've found no info pertaining to credit card use for fuel. I stopped in the smaller towns and fueled up when ever I could. It was cheaper, and it supported the smaller communities. I used cash I had exchanged before ever entering Canada. Never did use my credit card. So I really paid no attention to if the pumps even took cards.

[Barkingowl]

I remember that the gas stations in Toronto had the pay by the pump option. A lot of the smaller stations may take credit cards as well but you would have to go inside to pay for your gas.

[Barkingowl]

Here's a link that will help out.

Gas Stations - Convenience Store, Car Wash, Locations - Petro-Canada

[RAMFEB31]

I personally have never had problems credit carding for fuel in Canada or the Yukon Terr. except some are setup for only Visa or MasterCard though the majority are setup for both and other cards. As mentioned, when in Canada, Canadian dollars are best if you are doing big bucks there. The credit card people generally will have a surcharge for the exchange if your cards are from U.S. Getting the best exchange rate on a credit card is negated by the surcharge. From experience, I have never found any stores or stations in Canada refusing the greenbacks but their exchange rates are terrible. But, of course, things may have changed since last year. The U.S. dollar have gone to pot since. Try giving them Euros. They love it.

[Nephler]

If you're interested in seeing the exchange rate, try Currency Converter for 164 Currencies


Right now it's 1 US Dollar = 1.00743 Canadian Dollar

[warptman]

Read this story, these guys moved up here in January 2003.

Traveling to Alaska on the Alaska Highway