Canadian Money for Halifax

[DarCrav]

We're taking the Independence Day Cruise and will be visiting Halifax. I was wondering if we should bring Canadian money with us or if we can purchase some on the ship?

[pmb1]

We're taking the Independence Day Cruise and will be visiting Halifax. I was wondering if we should bring Canadian money with us or if we can purchase some on the ship?

You'll get a much better rate by dealing with your local bank.

[Classiccruiser777]

ATMs are widely available and you will get a far better rate than on the ship. Credit cards are also accepted just about everywhere.

[Underwatr]

Best deal will be from an ATM but be aware of your bank's fees for non-US withdrawals (mine charges $5 so we use my wife's account).

[Salacia]

We've been to Halifax several times, and found that US dollars are not only accepted and appreciated, but we have been given the difference in currency between USD and Canadian dollars when making a purchase in Halifax, which was surprising since we didn't know that was the local practice. We used Amex Card for larger purchases, and found that worked well too. So, just my personal experience, but there is no cause for worry about currency conversion when using USD in Halifax.

 

Bon voyage! Hope you have a wonderful holiday on QM2 - happy 4th! -S.

[gentlemancruiser]

The stores in Halifax are happy to accept US dollars. They will however have to give you change back in Cdn. It's maybe easier to use your credit cards.

 

Do NOT exchange money onboard the ship, the rates are never very good.

 

If you are worried, just buy some Canadian dollars from your bank before you leave home.

[sarafinadh]

When traveling internationally and using ATMs make sure you are using a BANK ATM, not a private one. Bank ATMs will have much better rates.

 

Check your credit cards to see which one offers the best overseas exchange policy.

 

We are visiting Halifax at the end of August and I plan on buyin' me some steaming hot lobster with a chase card that has no charges for international transactions. May even have them add on an extra order of drawn butter ; -)

[Keith1010]

I would go with USA dollars where you pay cash plus use your credit card.

 

Keith

[DarCrav]

All very helpful answers! Thank you one and all for your comments and Bon Voyage wishes.

[3rdGenCunarder]

If you're going to get local currency from an ATM, check with your bank to see if it has international "friends." My bank doesn't charge an out-of-system fee if I use one of their "friends."