Currency question

[Nell]

Greetings! I arrive on Tuesday, Sept 6 and will have plenty of time to get my bearings before sightseeing on Wednesday including getting some cash. Please advise me, should I go to a bank for CAD or will the hotel have an exchange booth? For that matter, do Vancouver area shops and restaurants accept USD? Thanks

[Morning Glory]

The exchange rate is .77 US for $1 Can so it's worth your while to get the currency exchanged.   Ask at the hotel if there is a bank that does not charge an extra fee; some charge it, some waive the fee.   If you have time before you go a lot of the Auto Clubs have currency exchange.

[A.R.]

I found this quite helpful when travelling abroad: http://www.moneywehave.com/the-5-best-currency-exchange-options/

And I wouldn't count on shops/restaurants accepting USD in Vancouver. If there are any (I know some fast food joints do), they are probably few and far between.

[umnr]

I have NEVER had a problem in Vancouver using USD and the me chant figuring the exchange rate ☺

[Nell]

Thanks to all for your suggestions. See you soon! 

[A.R.]

I have NEVER had a problem in Vancouver using USD and the me chant figuring the exchange rate ☺

Really? Hmm, good to know I guess. 

[MaW-Kathy]

Yes you can use US$ in Canada but the exchange rate in shops or restaurants will be atrocious. The fluctuating exchange rates have made it difficult for local businesses to post a competitive rate so the person with US gets ripped off.

We suggest taking cash out of a bank machine once you arrive. For me, a Canadian travelling in the US and other countries, taking cash out of a local bank machine with my debit card has been the best way to avoid the high fees charged by the currency exchange places.

Kathy

[xjennersonx]

I like to use the cash back feature at stores as well