Us money in canada?

Question

Is it possible to use us dollars in canada.

Answer 1

US currency is foreign, but it is commonly accepted in "touristy" areas or near the border.  Outside of those areas, you may find that it will not be accepted as it is not legal tender in Canada.  ("What is "legal tender"?

A "tender" is an offer of payment of a debt. In Canada, legal tender consists of coins issued by the Royal Canadian Mint and bank notes issued by the Bank of Canada." - Bank of Canada)

Answer 2

Yes, but please leave your pennies behind.  They just add to the clutter of coins.

Answer 3

You can at most places, but you will lose money on the exchange rate.  Better to go to a bank and exchange it there.

Answer 4

The closer a city in Canada is to the American border, the more likely you will not have a hassle with U.S. currency.  I live in Windsor, Ontario, (across from Detroit, Michigan) and American money is used all the time here, in bars, restaurants, etc.

But your best bet, as others have said, is to exchange money at your bank (even a bank in Canada will do it, I'm sure, for a fee).  Businesses will charge you a higher rate to convert.  And stay away from those currency exchange places at border crossings and on major highways.  They charge a service fee right off the top and their exchange rates are not what you'd get at the bank.

Answer 5

oldlady is wrong. US dollars are legal tender in Canada and most stores in Canada accept US dollars. However, you'll lose money in the exchange - not necessarily from the difference in value of the Canadian dollar versus the US dollar but the blasted fees many places charge to exchange your money. Best to exchange a set amount at the bank, pay the lowest fees to do so, and then take it from there.

Answer 6

Not a great idea. It isn't legal tender and most places won't take it. You're a lot better off to use a credit card. That way you'll get a better exchange rate, you won't have hassles and it will just make life a whole lot simpler. Think about how merchants in the US react to people offering Canadian dollars, even when the Canadian dollar is worth more than the US dollar. They won't even accept Canadian pennies!

Answer 7

Most places wont take bills, but pretty much everywhere will take coins. you would have to exchange your bills.