tips on currency exchange?

[ekirkland37]

My wife and I will be going to Canada soon from the US and I would like to know the best ways to exchange US currency to Canadian. Go to a bank, use debit card, credit card, travelers checks? Thanks in advance!!

[valcho]

Hey, think that the best way is through the bank. but can be looked this around the internet for any tips, or use about your credit cards if you are more comfortable
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money remittance

[briggl]

The best way to change money is through the ATM, especially if you have a card that doesn't charge fees for using other bank's ATM. My bank even refunds me the fees that other banks charge for using their ATMs. When you use the ATM, you will get the exact exchange rate at the time of the transaction.
If you will be charged fees for the transaction, make a large withdrawal rather than a few smaller ones to reduce the fess involved.

The next best is charge cards, but watch the fees there, some banks charge higher fees for these transactions than others.

I wouldn't bother with travelers checks unless you want to get a small amount for emergencies. Protect them well and keep the receipts in a separate place.

I have no experience with (and no information about) changing money at a bank. I do not know what fees, if any, may be involved, nor do I know how accurate they are with getting the correct exchange rate.

Stay away from Currency Exchange desks.
All of the ones I have ever seen either:
1) Have a good exchange rate and high fees or
2) Have low fess but a poor exchange rate.

You can check the current exchange rate here.
Right now, the Canadian and US dollars are very close so you don't have to go through any mental calculations to see what the real value of something is.
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