US Dollars?

[Jameswinthrop3345]

Hello all,
Will be in Montreal for several days later in the month and am working out some logistics. Will the agencies accept US dollar currency or does it have to be CAD? I'm debating on what would be best to avoid bank exchange fees or daily limit issues taking money out from ATM's in Canada. I appreciate it.

 

[Carmine Falcone]

Good news for you: they accept US dollars
Bad news for you: it's at face value, not at conversion rate

For future trips, look into something like Schwab Online High Yield Checking Account. It's an online account that has a debit card that reimburses your ATM fees from anywhere in the world.

 

[gll]

i second the recommendation of the schwab online checking account. i have had the account for about a year and use it for all my travel. it is fantastic- they reimburse any atm fees, no currency conversion fees and a good exchange rate. it is easy to set up online and easy to transfer money in and out online.

 

[EagerBeaver]

Why would you want to lose over 30 cents on the dollar? You can change money at Calforex downtown for a minimal service charge. It also shows some respect to the locals.

 

[harwell1690]

+1 for Califorex. Very good rates.

 

[Jameswinthrop3345]

Awesome, thanks for the replies. Calforex it will be

 

[jalimon]

Awesome, thanks for the replies. Calforex it will be

Then pussy it will be

enjoy!

 

[hungry101]

+1 for Calforex. I use Calforex every trip.

 

[Mistral]

Calforex:

Located near Ste. Catherine and Peel.
Currently buying US at 1.305 (official rate 1.316).
$3.75 flat fee, no minimum or maximum.
No ID required below 3K.
Need to fill out slip of paper with First Name, Last Name, Address, City, Country, Zip Code, State, Phone.

I suppose you could just write anything on the slip of paper, if they don't check ID.

 

[hungry101]

In the past, I thought I had to give them my passport?

I went to one in Toronto a few months back. Now can't remember if they asked for my passport?

 

[Robert 21]

Calforex:

Located near Ste. Catherine and Peel.
Currently buying US at 1.305 (official rate 1.316).
$3.75 flat fee, no minimum or maximum.
No ID required below 3K.
Need to fill out slip of paper with First Name, Last Name, Address, City, Country, Zip Code, State, Phone.

I suppose you could just write anything on the slip of paper, if they don't check ID.

Yes, been there... converted 100-300 USD
Filled out Slip
No ID

I have also converted USD TO CAD in the States before my Trip
Rates/Fees not as $ friendly as Calforex

 

[Valcazar]

I have also converted USD TO CAD in the States before my Trip
Rates/Fees not as $ friendly as Calforex

Almost always cheaper to buy local currency than to buy foreign before the trip.

 

[Sol Tee Nutz]

I have mentioned this in other posts. Unless you are exchanging thousands of dollars is it really worth your time to see out something that saves you a couple of bucks, go to an ATM and take out what you need. When I am in another country I use the ATM for convenience, not too concerned to save $20 or less, especially going from US currency to Canadian, a windfall to start with.

 

[Valcazar]

I'm pretty sure ATMs are better than Forex for anything under $1000 anyway.

 

[CaptRenault]

It’s always amusing when guys who are spending hundreds or thousands of dollars on escorts agonize over how they can save a dollar or two when they convert their currency.

Also, do we not already have enough threads on exchanging money?

https://merb.cc/vbulletin/search.php?searchid=14413049

 

[IamNY]

Go to Calforex. exchange a thousand and make back an extra $300 ish for your troubles. No ID required for that amount and if you want to make another $300 ish just go back the next day. Put any name and address on the info sheet you fill out. It's not checked. You just made $600.

 

[luvdozer]

Every time I visit, I just use ATMs

 

[JAF]

When going to another country it is always best to convert to cash for the hobby. Hotel, meals and store purchase can be on credit card.

 

[IamNY]

Every time I visit, I just use ATMs

This is the most convenient way, but IMHO going the extra step to exchange cash will net you more cash to play with and more importantly, no paper trail. To me, that’s very important. Cash is king, and no paper trail.

 

[Mistral]

I normally just use ATMs too. But I will consider a combination of both Calforex (maybe a thousand) and a few ATM withdrawals next time. Advantage is not just saving $20-30 but also saving a few trips to the ATM (my time).