Usd

abkdt41

abkdt41

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Going to the states next week and was just wondering what the best place or what you guys use to buy usd?

Banks seem to charge an arm and a leg

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KW Cambridge area has Continental Currency Exchange ,, usually saves enough to make it worthwhile. ask for a VIP account to get better rates next time.
I have usually found the international airport to have good rates.. so if I run out of money near any international airport,, I get it there..
 
meester_jamie said:
I have usually found the international airport to have good rates.. so if I run out of money near any international airport,, I get it there..
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Not in my experience. Markup was about 10-12% every airport we've been to. It's probably the worst place you can exchange money because they have a captive market.

A US ATM will charge you about 5% + inter-bank fees. Definitely not worth it if you're taking out small amounts.

Depending on your bank, you'll get about 3-4% for typical amounts. You'll only get a discount above $35,000.

Depending on a normal credit card, it's about 2-3%, which will be your best bet this late in the game. Charge everything when you get down there. Double check with your own CC though, some crappy cards will charge up to 5%

In the future, apply for a no-F/X credit card. I'm using the Chase Bank Amazon.ca card. 0% commission on foreign exchange, no annual fees *and* it's cash-back as well.
 
+1 to Chase Bank Amazon.ca card

Last winter when I went on my ski trip I called around. Best rates were:
Casinos by the border offer really good rates buy they want you to play. Pretty much on par with bank of Canada rates.
Exchanges at the border offered decent rates.
Banks, money marts etc are the worse.
 
OP , your in Oakville, your best rate will be Continental Currency exchange in mapleview mall Burlington. I'm in there at least every second month, its about a .5 percent better than a bank. check them online.
I use a CC when travelling , but in a lot of circumstance cash is still king in the US.

with a house in Arizona I've researched this to death. only time an airport rate was worthwhile was the terminal in French Polynesia , it was a bank franchise, the wacky French.
 
Roadghost said:
Now is not a good time to go to the U.S. unless you like being ripped off.
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How so? I mean the dollar isn't great for sure but if it's for a road trip it's not that bad. Gas is cheaper there by a landslide. The hotels aren't the worst prices. If you were going to shop I would say it's a rip off.
 
I have a lot of us$, I use to sell mines. Not anymore. The value of the US has increased. I opened a US account along with a US credit card at TD. Better than carrying cash around, no ridiculous fees etc. If you want to know more look up my thread on US Credit cards
 
crankcall said:
OP , your in Oakville, your best rate will be Continental Currency exchange in mapleview mall Burlington. I'm in there at least every second month, its about a .5 percent better than a bank. check them online.
I use a CC when travelling , but in a lot of circumstance cash is still king in the US.

with a house in Arizona I've researched this to death. only time an airport rate was worthwhile was the terminal in French Polynesia , it was a bank franchise, the wacky French.
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Thanks

Went there today... Rate was better and if you sign up for their VIP account they waive the service fee

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daught said:
+1 to Chase Bank Amazon.ca card

Last winter when I went on my ski trip I called around. Best rates were:
Casinos by the border offer really good rates buy they want you to play. Pretty much on par with bank of Canada rates.
Exchanges at the border offered decent rates.
Banks, money marts etc are the worse.
Click to expand...


I also use this card for all my travel and US ordering.
 
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