Vancouver: Do they take American Dollars

Hi,

I was wondering if most places in Vancouver take American dollars. We will be there less than 24 hours so I was hoping to not have to convert money if possible. For example, do cabs, airporter, cafes, etc. except American moolah? I guess if I have to convert money I can use the "excess" Canadian dollars as cruise tips.

[Donna]

I was told they will accept American dollars, but won't give you a good exchange rate. So, you might be better of converting some. I wouldn't convert alot though. They tell me there is a place in Canada Place that will convert your Canadian back to American before you sail - again, not a real good rate.

Good Luck and enjoy
dsw

[Ray]

Just finished Alaska on Celebrity, staying over in Vancouver for two days. I found most of the places in Vancouver WILL NOT take U.S. Dollars. I tried with the cab drivers, waiters, etc and it was a no-go. I used a credit card the entire stay and never converted to Canadian currency.

[Cheryl]

Were you able to use a credit card with the taxi driver? The taxi and a convenience store stop is the only money we expect to spend in Vancouver.

[Ray]

Cheryl:

We asked the driver before we used the cab and he refused the credit card. We ended up just walking around Vancouver before we rented a car for a trip to the Buchart Gardens in Victoria. We were in Vancouver on May 10-11 and after the cruise on May 18-19. There was a transit strike, mainly the buses, subway, etc. and taxis were almost non-existent. Good Luck.....

We have been to Vancouver 4 times in the last 3 years and never had a problem with the taxis accepting US dollars. Rough figure is 1.5 CAD to USD. So $30.00 CAD is $20.00 USD. Use your credit card for any other purchase. Fast food places would like CAD. Your bank will do the conversion when using your credit card.

[Joe T]

I go to Toronto on business a couple of times a year. We have found out that the best exchange rate is gotten by using an ATM. We always got a high exchange rate with no fee.

Definitely agree with Joe T. Spent a week in Whistler & ended in Vancouver last month. ATMs were the easiest. There are plenty of them. Get $ from the ATM at the airport. The exchange rate was very competitive.

Allow me to answer your question with a question - Do they take Canadian Dollars in Seattle? The answer is no - trust me I've tried. Your best bet is to hit the ATM machine at the Vancouver Airport upon arrival.

Hope you have a great day in Vancouver and welcome to Canada!!

There exchange rate right now is 150 to 100, so you are wasting 50% of your money.Have your bank order you some Canadian Money, and save while you can

Actually you are gaining 50% of your money. For every $1 US you get $1.50 CDN.