Can you use USD readily in Windsor, ON, Canada?

Question

Do the bars, hotels, and clubs accept American USD in Windsor? Or would it be best to exchange the USD for Canadian currency? Also, what would be the wisest way to do so to get the closest to exchange rate without having to use any sort of debit or credit card?

Answer 1

They take them every where and depending on the exchange rate, you my just get some extra back, in Windsor begin so close to the border it is not a problem, even in other parts of the province, but there it is welcome as our own money, I used to to have a fellow chef friend who worked at the Casino and he said the finance department deposited more than $1 million US dollars a week.

Answer 2

If you don't want to get ripped off badly get some Canadian money.  The shops have to charge you a higher exchange rate because they are getting ripped off by their banks.  The shop where my daughter works charges 10 cents on the American ($1.10US = $1.00CDN) dollar for the hassle of exchange and they get a lot of American money in their store.  So really you are going to get ripped on the exchange rate it is only a matter of deciding how badly you are going to get ripped off by and by whom.  Me I'd like getting ripped off by the banks they charge less than the shops.  HOWEVER you might get a really good rate from the casino but they may limit the amount that you can exchange at one time.

Answer 3

Hi...I live in Windsor, and work at the casino.

Firstly, as someone else said, almost every place in Windsor accepts American money.  Retailers (bars, clubs, stores), etc., are not going to give you a favourable exchange rate.  Stay away, as well, from the exchange rate booths at the border crossings and on the major highways as they charge you a substantial fee above and beyond the rate.  You could possibly change your money at a bank here (although if you are not a customer of the bank they may charge you a fee as well).  I'm not sure about all banks but my bank, TD Canada Trust, has locations that are open on Saturdays until 4:00 p.m.

Your best bet is either to exchange your money at your bank before you come, or you can change it at the cage or currency exchange machines at the casino.  They basically give you the bank rate for the current day.  Believe me, they do not question any transaction you are making at the window unless it is over $10,000...then they will ask you for ID, etc.  They see thousands of dollars exchanged back and forth every day, so that is nothing for them.

Have fun!