Canadian Dollars??

Do most businesses take US$ or should we take some Can $ with us?

They will take US dollars, but it's a lot easier to use Canadian as you won't have to worry about exchange rates. We had forgotten to bring Canadian $ with us, but stopped at an ATM inside the Chateau Frontenac in Quebec, which was our first port day. We took out enough to last us the rest of the trip. For big purchases, had we made any, I would have used a credit card.

You should not have any problems using US dollars in Canada except that the rate of exchange is not likely to be favourable. Banks or other financial institutions will give you the going rate of exchange but many places will charge a rate that is likely to be higher. The dollar is currently trading at 77.75 cents US for 1.00 Canadian. Lisa's advice is excellent.

Enjoy your visit to Canada!

And some little eatery or shops may not accept U$ but the majority of stores do.

Most of the stores took US$, even the post offices in Peggy's Cove and Sydney. We did run into a pewter store that said that they could not take US$ travelers cheques but we had gotten CAN$ ones so it was not a problem. And having some small change was handy for tips and soda machines. But mostly we charged everything.

The banks may give you the current exchange rate, but they will also charge you a fee for the transaction, anywhere from 2 to 4%. We get dinged both sides, when we buy US$ and when we change it back if we have anything left. I just generally hang onto any left over US$ for the next trip.

We found major stores actually had cash registers that did the conversion in the evcvent you wantred to use US dollars. We even found some sidewalk merhcants inviting US dollars.

hi...

everyone will take Uncle Sam Dollars, but will probably not give you the right rate of exchange, you will probably get your change in Canadian as well, go to a travel exchange bureau or to a bank or use your A.T.M. card

sailing on the SUN in 175 days out of N.O.