When should I exchange my US cash for Canadian?

Question

I will be visiting Manitoba for Christmas 2008. Should I exchange the cash in the US, prior to going to Canada or should I wait until I am in Canada? Should I also use my credit card in Canada or should I stick with Canadian currency when I am in Canada?

Answer 1

Visiting Manitoba in winter - sorry to hear that. lol  You will generally get the best exchange rate if you do it before leaving the US.  Likewise, when returning to the US you would get a better rate if you exchanged your Canadian cash before you leave Canada.  It's always a good idea to have some local cash on hand, but if you use a credit card for most of your purchases you will also get the bank exchange rate (or very close to it) and not have to deal with pockets full of Canadian coins.

Answer 2

you can exchange us on canadian in your post office or canadian airport if you wish ...

Answer 3

If you have a debit card or a bank card that lets you make cash withdrawals, you can use it to get cash pretty much anywhere. If you're flying in, there will be ATMs at the airport. It's easy to use your credit card or debit card in Canada. When you get your bill, they will have converted it into U.S. dollars for you. Of course, some small stores and restaurants only take cash, so you may not be able to get by entirely using plastic.