
In Canada, you can use US dollars in some situations, but it's not always the best option. You can exchange your US dollars for Canadian dollars at a bank or currency exchange office, but be aware that the exchange rate may not be favorable.
Some businesses in Canada, especially those that cater to tourists, may accept US dollars, but it's not a guarantee. You can check with the merchant beforehand to see if they accept US dollars.
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Using US Dollars in Canada
Using US Dollars in Canada can be a bit tricky, but it's definitely doable. You can probably use U.S. dollars to cover costs in Canada, but not everywhere.
Many major hotels and retailers will allow customers to pay with U.S. currency, but they may set their own exchange rate, which won't be favorable to you.
Duty-free shops, border crossings, border towns, and Canada's most popular destinations and attractions will readily accept U.S. currency and give a decent exchange.
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The most expensive currency exchange services occur at banks, currency exchange kiosks, and some hotels or airports, with exchange rate margins as high as 10% at airports and with PayPal.
Travel cards like Wise are a great option, giving you access to multi-currency accounts and exchange USD to CAD at or near the real mid-market exchange rate.
With Wise, you can exchange foreign currency, including USD to CAD, with currency conversion costs of 0.5% or lower.
To get the best value for your US dollars, it's always advisable to exchange them to Canadian dollars at banks or exchange kiosks set up for tourists.
Here are some places where you can use US dollars in Canada:
- Major hotels
- Retailers
- Duty-free shops
- Border crossings
- Border towns
- Canada's most popular destinations and attractions
But keep in mind that using US dollars may result in unfavorable exchange rates or additional fees.
Alternatives to US Dollars
Canada has its own currency, the Canadian dollar, which is widely accepted across the country.
You can exchange US dollars for Canadian dollars at a bank or currency exchange office, but be aware that you may not get the best exchange rate.
Many businesses in Canada, especially in tourist areas, accept US dollars as payment, but you may be charged a conversion fee.
Some popular alternatives to US dollars in Canada include the Canadian dollar, the Euro, and cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin.
The Canadian government has also introduced a digital currency, e-transfer, which allows for fast and secure transactions.
Some businesses in Canada may also accept other currencies like the British pound or Australian dollar, but this is less common.
You can use a credit or debit card that doesn't charge foreign transaction fees to make purchases in Canada, which can be a convenient alternative to carrying cash.
Payment Options
You can use U.S. dollars to cover costs in Canada, but it's not always a straightforward process. Many major hotels and retailers will accept U.S. currency, but they may set their own exchange rate, which won't be favorable to you.
Some places in Canada will readily accept U.S. dollars, such as duty-free shops, border crossings, border towns, and popular destinations and attractions. They're likely to give you a decent exchange rate too.
Do Restaurants Accept Debit/Credit Cards?

Most restaurants in Canada accept debit and credit cards for payment, and it's common for establishments to display logos indicating the types of cards they accept, such as Visa and Mastercard.
However, smaller or independent establishments may have cash-only policies, so it's always a good idea to carry some cash.
It's customary to tip around 15-20% on the total bill at restaurants in Canada, so be sure to factor that into your payment plans.
Curious to learn more? Check out: Cash App
US Dollar Travel Money Tips
When traveling to Canada, it's essential to know how to use your US dollars effectively. You can use US dollars in Canada, but be aware that you'll likely get a poor exchange rate.
The most expensive currency exchange services occur at banks, currency exchange kiosks, and some hotels or airports, with exchange rate margins as high as 10% at airports and with PayPal.
There are better ways to exchange your US dollars for Canadian dollars. Consider using a travel card like Wise, which gives you access to multi-currency accounts and allows you to exchange USD to CAD at or near the real mid-market exchange rate.
If you do need to exchange cash, be aware that ATMs and local payment methods in Canada often offer better exchange rates than currency exchange kiosks or banks.
Here are some options to consider:
- ATMs: Use your debit card to withdraw Canadian dollars from a Canadian ATM.
- Travel cards: Consider using a travel card like Wise for a more convenient and cost-effective exchange experience.
- Currency exchange services: Be aware that banks, currency exchange kiosks, and some hotels or airports charge high exchange rate margins.
By understanding your options and choosing the right method, you can save money and make the most of your trip to Canada.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can't rely solely on US dollars in Canada, as only some establishments near the US-Canada border or in tourist areas may accept them.
It's best to have Canadian dollars, which you can instantly and digitally exchange for using Revolut's multi-currency account.
The Canadian dollar (CAD) is the official currency of Canada, and it's often denoted with the symbol: $.
To exchange currency in Canada, you can use Revolut to exchange instantly or withdraw cash from ATMs. Be aware that bank currency exchange and airport kiosks will be the most expensive method.
You can buy Canadian currency by exchanging instantly with Revolut or getting Canadian dollars in cash at local ATMs.
Expect exchange rate margins of between 4% to 7% for foreign exchange at traditional Canadian banks.
Most restaurants in Canada accept debit and credit cards for payment, so you won't need to rely on cash.
Here are some safe options for exchanging currency in Canada:
- Revolut: exchange currency instantly with no fees or inconvenient brick-and-mortar exchange
- Local ATMs: get Canadian dollars in cash with minimal fees
- Attached bank ATMs: safer than standalone ATMs
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to pay for things in Canada?
In Canada, using the local currency (CAD) is recommended for small purchases, while credit cards are widely accepted for larger transactions. For a smooth payment experience, consider using a combination of both cash and credit cards.
Is Canada no longer accepting US cash?
No, US cash is not widely accepted in Canada, but it may be accepted in some tourist areas at an unfavorable exchange rate. For a smoother experience, it's recommended to exchange money at a bank or use a credit/debit card.
Is it better to bring cash or card to Canada?
In Canada, it's best to use a combination of both cash and credit card for purchases, with cash suitable for small transactions and credit cards for larger ones. Using a mix of both will help you navigate everyday expenses and bigger transactions with ease.
Do I need to convert my US dollars to Canadian dollars?
While some businesses in Canada accept US dollars, it's recommended to have Canadian dollars for smaller and rural destinations. Converting your US dollars to Canadian dollars is a good idea to avoid any inconvenience during your trip.
What currency should I take to Canada?
For a trip to Canada, it's recommended to use the official currency, CAD, for spending, as merchants may not accept foreign currencies like AUD. Exchanging your money to CAD before your trip can make your travel experience smoother.
Sources
- https://www.tripsavvy.com/is-us-currency-accepted-in-canada-1481853
- https://www.monito.com/en/use-us-dollars-in/canada
- https://www.toniagara.com/blog/can-you-use-us-dollars-in-niagara-falls-canada/
- https://www.tripsavvy.com/canada-money-exchange-1481697
- https://www.westernunion.com/ca/en/currency-converter/cad-to-usd-rate.html
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