Going into Canada Sept - Questions
Road Master
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 832
Likes: 6
From: Vermont
The best deal is to use a Capital One credit card since they have a ZERO percent international transaction fee. Also check with your bank since some debit cards do not charge a foreign transaction fee. Gasoline credit cards (I know Irving, Shell and Exxon/Mobil) do the conversion without a fee.
I exchanged some American to CAD at my local bank a couple of weeks ago and got $300 CAD for $288. It wasn't a good deal by any means but I wanted some CAD for times when it would be handier to use than the c/c. I live about 250 miles from the border and I was told the exchange rate is better as you get closer to the border.
I have carried a Swiss Army Knife across the border each way a number of times and never had a problem with it. In fact, I never thought about it until you asked. They're more interested in firearms, tobacco and alcohol and where you're going/been.
Make sure to have a passport or an enhanced drivers license.
Also, get a Canadian Proof of Insurance Card from your insurance agent. It's not necessary to cross but it is VERY handy if you have the "opportunity" to interact with the R.C.M.P.
I exchanged some American to CAD at my local bank a couple of weeks ago and got $300 CAD for $288. It wasn't a good deal by any means but I wanted some CAD for times when it would be handier to use than the c/c. I live about 250 miles from the border and I was told the exchange rate is better as you get closer to the border.
I have carried a Swiss Army Knife across the border each way a number of times and never had a problem with it. In fact, I never thought about it until you asked. They're more interested in firearms, tobacco and alcohol and where you're going/been.
Make sure to have a passport or an enhanced drivers license.
Also, get a Canadian Proof of Insurance Card from your insurance agent. It's not necessary to cross but it is VERY handy if you have the "opportunity" to interact with the R.C.M.P.
Thread Starter
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 5,072
Likes: 104
From: Prescott, AZ
The best deal is to use a Capital One credit card since they have a ZERO percent international transaction fee. Also check with your bank since some debit cards do not charge a foreign transaction fee. Gasoline credit cards (I know Irving, Shell and Exxon/Mobil) do the conversion without a fee.
I exchanged some American to CAD at my local bank a couple of weeks ago and got $300 CAD for $288. It wasn't a good deal by any means but I wanted some CAD for times when it would be handier to use than the c/c. I live about 250 miles from the border and I was told the exchange rate is better as you get closer to the border.
I have carried a Swiss Army Knife across the border each way a number of times and never had a problem with it. In fact, I never thought about it until you asked. They're more interested in firearms, tobacco and alcohol and where you're going/been.
Make sure to have a passport or an enhanced drivers license.
Also, get a Canadian Proof of Insurance Card from your insurance agent. It's not necessary to cross but it is VERY handy if you have the "opportunity" to interact with the R.C.M.P.
I exchanged some American to CAD at my local bank a couple of weeks ago and got $300 CAD for $288. It wasn't a good deal by any means but I wanted some CAD for times when it would be handier to use than the c/c. I live about 250 miles from the border and I was told the exchange rate is better as you get closer to the border.
I have carried a Swiss Army Knife across the border each way a number of times and never had a problem with it. In fact, I never thought about it until you asked. They're more interested in firearms, tobacco and alcohol and where you're going/been.
Make sure to have a passport or an enhanced drivers license.
Also, get a Canadian Proof of Insurance Card from your insurance agent. It's not necessary to cross but it is VERY handy if you have the "opportunity" to interact with the R.C.M.P.
Thanks,,, I will check into capitol one... all else is on my to do list...
Road Master
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 899
Likes: 2
From:
Does anyone know the best (fee) I can expect when exchanging US into Canadian dollars... My C/C charges 3% to convert - and right now the exchange rate is about even - So, if I charge $100 - C/C will convert and it will end up costing me 103.. So, what is better,,,, convert cash at bank or use c/c ??
Also, I am aware of no guns across the border - how about pocket knife - undere 4" ??
Also, I am aware of no guns across the border - how about pocket knife - undere 4" ??
Won't have a problem with a pocket knife - guns are the main thing to attract a lot of attention at the border.
Unless you are in a rush, there are some great secondary roads through BC that won't disappoint. Let me know if you need some ideas.
Thread Starter
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 5,072
Likes: 104
From: Prescott, AZ
Just got off the phone with Capitol One = card is on the way... thanks,,,
Advanced
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 79
Likes: 0
From: Washington
I used to work/commute to Canada, so I have some experience.
Definitely use your credit card whenever possible, you will get the best rate of exchange. But, just in case, I would absolutely carry some cash too. Pocket knives, Leatherman tools, Swiss Army knives are okay. Like some have stated, no guns or gun accessories, etc. of any type. -too much attention..Insurance card is a great idea, check with your agent.
Good Luck and Have Fun! W. Canada is beautiful!
Definitely use your credit card whenever possible, you will get the best rate of exchange. But, just in case, I would absolutely carry some cash too. Pocket knives, Leatherman tools, Swiss Army knives are okay. Like some have stated, no guns or gun accessories, etc. of any type. -too much attention..Insurance card is a great idea, check with your agent.
Good Luck and Have Fun! W. Canada is beautiful!
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Road Captain
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 609
Likes: 101
From: Saskatchewan
Where are you going to? Whenever I travel the US I just use a credit card for the most part but a couple of hundred $ in cash does OK for going to a diner or small shop for a drink etc. As a matter of fact I'll be down in Texas this coming weekend.
Tourer
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 435
Likes: 2
From: Alberta, Canada
Bring warm clothes and I recommend taking as many backroads as you can so you aren't just seeing the standard touristy stuff.
BTW, the dollar exchange won't impact the cost of your trip nearly as much as the gas prices will. Prices vary greatly as you ride across Canada and when you throw in the different provincial sales taxes... gas is way cheaper in the states.
Don't let the worry of the dollar exchange spoil your trip. I have travelled a lot with my work (and many rides to the states) and I generally don't do the dollar exchange before I go. I just stop at the first titless teller (bank machine) and take out money in the country I travel to. That way you don't see the exchange until you get home and you can enjoy the trip. <G>
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