Saving Up To Be Eccentric

Will the Vancouver taxi drivers take US currency?

They'll also be happy to take most major credit cards, and you can choose to add a tip onto the fee in Canadian dollars. However, check before you leave on which credit cards will add service charges onto foreign currency transactions. I wound up not having any Canadian cash, but the big name credit cards were welcome just the same.

I'll second the Touch of Wilderness B&B - and also that they're very willing to work with you. I had a completely PACKED schedule the day before (even as an 'unstructured' add-on, I kinda jammed everything in there), so I noted that I'd be coming in late that night. They worked it out with me, and the other lodgers didn't even know the unseemly time I arrived. But you do need to be able to tiptoe in and not drag stuff up the stairs if you get in late, so you don't wake everybody up!

Jalousie beach is very scenic, situated between the pitons. At low traffic times, the snorkeling is good and the currents comparitively mild. Anse Chastenet has better snorkeling, but can have surprise side currents strong enough to take off rings and you can incur fines if you accidentally hit the reef. Also, they had a better restaurant if you like curry dishes than Jalousie. The beaches are public, but the actual resort roads are not, so factor in transportation by boat or car. Either way, Anse Chastanet is futher north than Jalousie.

Thanks, guys! Appreciate it.

Cindy,

If you're going to be there a few days, I'd certainly look at how you're going to get the local currency. I'm going to be charging most things, but I expect small, local merchants and anybody I'd want to tip will appreciate getting cash in the legal tender for their banks.

Zephyr,

Do you know if the VanCity ATM is connected with any international networks (like the Plus network)?

So with one thing and another, I'll be coming into Sea-Tac on Sunday morning and leaving to Vancouver on the evening train. Monday morning, it's pick up be LandSea and depositing at the cruiseship terminal.

All things considered, it looks like any incidentals I'd need cash to pay for won't be much, but some for Grandville is probably a good idea! So the question is: where is a good idea to do this? The international terminal of the airport? Amtrak station? Withdraw cash from a credit union in Vancouver (ATMs on tour route?) somewhen? Hope to find southbound tourists and have an equitable exchange?

If I take the late train up from Seattle, will I need to hunt for a cab? Or do they circle at normal arrival times?

I'm going on my first cruise in decades, but knew enough to schedule arrival the day before, even if our sailing time is in the afternoon. That being said, I've heard Vancouver is a lovely city, and I was going to try to see some of it. Problem is, our embarkation day is on July 1, and there's going to be a huge party at Canada Place and Granville. Any suggestions on what to do that won't be packed or do we just give up and go straight to the ship?:confused: