Can I use American dollars in Canada? (credit card, hotel)

[Lital_The_Best]

Is that possible? Or will I have to do a currency exchange?

[j_k_k]

Originally Posted by Lital_The_Best

Is that possible? Or will I have to do a currency exchange?

For the most part, you can, but you will probably get a more accurate exchange rate at your commercial bank.

[Lital_The_Best]

Thanks.

[ajau]

Just use your credit card. You get a commercial bank exchange rate with each transaction without the hassle of handling foreign change.

[akck]

First thing I do when I cross the border is find an ATM and use my debit card to take out cash. You get current exchange rates. For big $$ items (hotel, gas, etc.), I use a credit card. FYI, most CC will charge an exchange fee for each transaction.

[minibrings]

Not really in Toronto. Border towns yes. Get further in.. no.
Same as going to the US, places in Niagara Falls, NY and Buffalo tend to accept Canadian dollars but once you arer further in.. nope

[bhdavis1978]

You can easily use American Dollars, in Toronto, or Vancouver. I do it all the time. My family lives in Toronto and Vancouver, and I never have any difficulty using American Dollars anywhere in Canada.

Using Canadian currency in the US on the other hand is a totally different story.

[minibrings]

Originally Posted by bhdavis1978

You can easily use American Dollars, in Toronto, or Vancouver. I do it all the time. My family lives in Toronto and Vancouver, and I never have any difficulty using American Dollars anywhere in Canada.

Using Canadian currency in the US on the other hand is a totally different story.

Lucky you! I've come back from the states and went to a restaurant in Toronto and realized I only had USD and they would not take it! Good thing for Interac.

[KevK]

Originally Posted by Lital_The_Best

Is that possible? Or will I have to do a currency exchange?

You do not have to in most of Canada. But it is to your advantage to exchange it. Many merchants in Canada will rip you off on the exchange rate. You can also use a credit card which will automatically do the correct exchange rate.

[Ayana9]

i use my canadian debit card to pay at stores when i go to the US and my husband will use his american debit card when he goes to canada, as well as credit cards and most places take USD but give you a bad exchange rate. the bank teller told me that if i use my debit card and withdraw money from an ATM it would give me the best exchange rate, especially for a large withdrawal. the fee to use the ATM is $3USD