How much is it when you convert U.S. Dolalrs to Canadian dollars???

Question

Does anyone know how much stuff costs in Canada...?

I am planning a trip, I live in U.S. but am not sure about currecy exhanges and all.

Does Canada have the same prices for shopping, food, miscellaneous, like in the states???

Or is it cheaper or more expensive???

Can someone please tell me how much the currency converts to so I know approximataly to take to spend???

Answer 1

as I've told people before you will get ripped off on the exchange no matter where you do it, it is just a matter of how badly you want to get shredded.

Banks are usually your best bet they shouldn't s***w you too badly.  I think that you'd get a better exchange rate in Canada than in the US because the banks are bigger and national.

Next would be the currency exchange places they only charge rates that make loan sharks green with envy.

Lastly spending it in the shops you will be royaly screwed by them because they have to make up for being screwed by the banks.

For prices you could check out some Canadian compainies try adding a  "dot" ca after a stores name such as Walmart.ca or Sears.ca.  You will have to know your prices at home some things are cheaper there than there and vice versa with the dollars at par you won't be getting any really big bargons BUT you may find some different things here.

Also you can try HBC.com thats the Hudson's Bay Company they are a large department store.

Have a good trip and safe home.

Answer 2

Yesterday the Canadian dollar was worth 2 cents more than the U.S., but banks, being what they are, charged me a service charge for conversion, so I lost on the deal.  Basically, though, the currency is about equal.

Lots of foods are cheaper here (fruits, veggies, many meats, canned goods, potato chips, pop, etc. - if you know your prices, you can do very well) , gasoline is more (today $1.349/litre which equates to about U.S. $5.21/gallon).  Taxes are already included in the price - just like in the U.S.

Be aware that, on nearly everything else, you'll need to add sales taxes (GST - Federal Goods and Services Tax - of 5% and PST - Provincial Sales Tax (like State Tax) - which varies depending on province you're in.  Ontario is 8%.)  While there's usually no tax on food, convenience foods/junk foods ARE taxed.  Then there's the "quantity" rule - a single donut is subject to tax, but if you buy a 6-pack or more, they're tax-free.

In Ontario, restaurant meals of $4.01 or more are subject to tax.

As they say, nothing in life is certain except death and taxes.  You'll get used to it quickly.

Credit cards can be handy, but beware - I haven't found one yet which doesn't "roll in" an additional fee when doing currency conversion.  Check out http://www.bankrate.com/brm/news/cc/2005... for the straight scoop on that "sweet deal" the card companies have going for themselves.

Don't let us scare you.  (* Don't try to bring weapons, drugs, meats, fruits, vegetables, excess alcohol/cigarettes,  across the border or you may risk confiscation.  Check the Canada Customs website for restrictions.)

I'm sure you'll have a great time anyway.

Answer 3

The exchange rate from Canadian dollars to US dollars fluctuates daily.  Today it would cost you $1.02 US to buy $1.00 Canadian, roughly at par.  Most Canadian retailers will accept US currency so you don't really need to worry to much about exchanging your US money in order to buy things in Canada.  In my experience prices for most goods are generally comparable from one country to another.  Where you'll find the biggest difference is in the sales tax.  Depending upon the province, sales tax is anywhere from 5 to 8%.  Additionally there is a 5% federal sales tax.  (These taxes are NOT applied to grocery items)  

Gasoline is sold by the litre in Canada rather than by the gallon.  Four litres is roughly equivalent to one US gallon.  Depending where in Canada you are the price varies from $1.20 to $1.33 or so per litre so it is a bit more expensive to fill up your gas tank in Canada.

Back to the currency exchange for a second.  When I travel to the States for vacation I use my credit card as much as possible.  I get the best exchange rate available that way and don't pay any handling charges.  Just the bank rate for the day.