Converting USD to CAD in the US?

Submitted by Dotifo t3_z6hg6p in personalfinance

My credit union (Navy Federal) doesn't offer currency conversion, what is the cheapest way to convert my USD to CAD before I leave? It's unclear to me if I will be able to use an ATM in Canada or if that's even a good idea.

1

Comments

You must log in or register to comment.

[deleted] t1_iy1db6i wrote

[deleted]

3

Dotifo OP t1_iy1e487 wrote

We specifically need cash since the tattoo artist my wife is seeing doesn't take credit card, we'll have to try the ATM I guess.

Thanks for the info, do you know if I should be seeking out a specific bank's ATM? Or will they all generally charge the same fees?

0

[deleted] t1_iy1ez4t wrote

[deleted]

2

Dotifo OP t1_iy1fka5 wrote

Perfect, thanks so much

1

ke_co t1_iy1i2r7 wrote

Just watch out for ATMs offering to do the conversion for you. Not sure if they exist in Canada, but they’re all over Europe. If offered, simply deny the conversion.

1

Zomgirlxoxo t1_iy1hh0k wrote

American in Vancouver… just use an ATM and convert when you get here if you need cash. Other wise use your debit card.

1

AdditionalAttorney t1_iy1jqwk wrote

Just go to any big bank atm in Canada…

Scotiabank

RBC

TD Bank

BMO

Vs those random atm machines

1

FazedDazedCrazed t1_iy1jsud wrote

You can just use a Canadian ATM (called ABM in Quebec, if I recall, not sure about the others) to get cash. It works pretty much the same. The fee (or not) should depend on your bank—I think mine used to have like 5 free from other banks, including any in Canada.

1

ignoblegrape t1_iy1k9st wrote

College daughter lives in Alberta using NFCU debit for everything. She's had maybe 2 times where her debit card wasn't accepted in 2 years, but never been a problem at the ATM. Put your travel notice on your cards. Good luck with the ink!

1

NorthImpossible8906 t1_iy1o5q0 wrote

Canada has always been way ahead of the USA in terms of banking technology, though I suppose the usa has probably finally caught up.

Debit cards will be fine, everything in Canada will be on Interac, and a few other international banking systems, so they can access your account.

You can bring American cash with you and exchange it canada (there is always a place in airports or train stations, if you are taking that).

Frankly, I'd think the tattoo artist would be thrilled to take American cash, but they'd probably ding you on the exchange rate.

1