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Boundary Waters Quetico Forum :: Quetico Forum :: Paying in Atikokan
 
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avs11054
06/23/2018 04:17PM
  
Quick question for those who start out of Atikokan...I've heard most places take American dollars in Atikokan. My question is when you go to restaurants or other stores, are the prices the same in American and Canadian dollars? It looks like the US dollar is worth about 25% more than the Canadian dollar, so I'm trying to figure out if I should get some Canadian money before going.
 
tumblehome
06/24/2018 06:41AM
  
To get the best exchange rate, use your credit card for everything. Banks will offer the best exchange rate and you don't have to worry about money conversion from a cashier.


Canadians love American cash so if you do use it, they are pretty well versed in converting it for you. But, it's a little messy when it comes to smaller purchases or leaving a tip.


I spent some time in Canada recently and the Canadians do not like our current President. He has really mucked up our relations with Canada.


Tom

 
billconner
06/24/2018 07:13AM
  
tumblehome: "To get the best exchange rate, use your credit card for everything.
"
+1
 
AmarilloJim
06/25/2018 08:40AM
  
+2
 
Jackfish
06/25/2018 10:01AM
  
billconner: "tumblehome: "To get the best exchange rate, use your credit card for everything.
"
+1"
+3... what Bill said.

You can also order Canadian money through your bank. For smaller banks or branches of larger banks, you may have to give yourself a couple weeks to get it. Larger banks should have it on hand. However, paying by credit card is "BY FAR" the easiest method of payment. The foreign currency exchange isn't that costly. Just ask your bank for the information.
 
avs11054
06/25/2018 12:20PM
  
Awesome. Thanks for the info everyone.
 
Thwarted
06/27/2018 06:38AM
  
Eyedocron: " Mine has no foreign exchange fees. Check your card. "
This is right. My card does charge me so I limit its use to larger purchases such as hotels and use Canadian money for smaller purchases.

The bigger ankle biter is that at least one of the Atikoken outfitters uses or used a US bank. In that case there was no exchange applied. Just be aware. If you don't mind paying US dollars at one outfitter, while another will charge less by applying the exchange rate, then go ahead. Just be aware of the possibility.
 
mapsguy1955
06/27/2018 10:04PM
  
Also check with your bank for what they charge to do the conversion. I did it a few years ago and it wasn't worth the hassle to save about .05 on each dollar. The conversion rate was around 1.25. That was PNC but I'm in Florida. Use the credit card.
 
deerfoot
07/01/2018 09:48AM
  
I travel to Canada a lot - this year three times. All advice above is great. I found a credit card through my bank that charges no foreign transaction fee. Other cards I have charge between 1-3%. I always carry some CAD although many Canadian businesses will take USD but beware they can give you whatever exchange rate they want. If you cross the border at Pigeon River, Ryden's a longtime business just before the Canadian entrance station, gives a favorable exchange rate. Sometimes I have a Canadian friend in Thunder Bay exchange cash for me at their bank at the current rate with no fee.
 
MackinawTrout
07/01/2018 12:50PM
  
Your Credit Card/Bank Card is almost universally the best by far!!! You will lose big time converting cash to and fro as there will be a large spread in the bid and ask for typical cash conversions, no matter where you go - bank, casino or Rydens.

That said, I have $500.00 Canadian that I keep around and do not convert back to US. Why?

1. I enjoy spending cash with Ma and Pa shops up there. You seem to run into a lot of people that run side businesses up there (Bait, side of the road retail and restaurants) They like all cash.

2. As mentioned before, you never know when your bank will think that your Canadian transactions are fraudulent. I have had this happen in other places even when I pre-called them.

3. You can occasionally find some good deals in Canada. Remember to report purchases to Customs!





 
Thwarted
06/23/2018 04:57PM
  
Yes, you should get Canadian money at the border. Some credit cards charge a fee for making the conversion so check on that. If that is your case then a $10.00 lunch will cost extra. Usually hotels make the conversion but not always. Check before you book. Some outfitters will convert, others not. Check in advance. Be aware that some Canadian outfitters will only take a check or cash. Have fun.
 
AtwaterGA
06/26/2018 06:15AM
  
We spend a lot of time in Atikokan. There are banks on main street that will exchange your money for Canadian. It makes it easier. If you are using the charge card at restaurants, you can tip in US currency.

The information about charge cards is correct. It is easy to use your charge cards and the card company will handle the exchange rate.

One problem we had was that one time our charge card company blocked the use of the card as they discovered that a card holder from South Georgia was using their card in NW Ontario and they put it on alert and froze the use of the card. It was difficult to get the hold released. We now call the card company before our trips and advise that we will be in Canada for X weeks and we have had no further problems. I would suggest calling the card company in advance.

Please shop in Atikokan as they will appreciate your business.

 
sns
06/26/2018 03:10PM
  
AtwaterGA: "I would suggest calling the card company in advance. "


+1.


Do this several times a year for all international travel, even Canada.
 
Jackfish
06/26/2018 04:32PM
  
sns: "AtwaterGA: "I would suggest calling the card company in advance. "
+1.


Do this several times a year for all international travel, even Canada."
With many banks (maybe most), you can do this on the bank's website.
 
Eyedocron
06/26/2018 06:54PM
  
I have paid for my Quetico camping fees at the park office, meals and lodging at the White Otter Inn in Atikokan, and gas and meals at Kakabeka Falls with a credit card. No problem. Mine has no foreign exchange fees. Check your card.