Travel money Canada 2021: How to pay & how much to bring

Travelers to Canada will be glad to hear that you can use your cards in the same type of places as you would at home. There’s a similar number of ATMs and banks, and prices for accommodation and food are more or less the same — though it gets more expensive if you’re going skiing or snowboarding.

As you’ll be making transactions in Canadian dollars, there are some fees you’ll need to look out for. Here is we compare the different travel money products and strategies that will help you get the most out of your trip.

Our picks for traveling to Canada

Our pick for travel credit card

American Express® Gold Card

★★★★★
Finder rating: 4.6/5

Go to site

Our pick for multi-currency debit card

Transferwise Multi-currency

★★★★★
Finder rating: 4.5/5

Go to site

Our pick for 0% transaction fee debit card

SoFi Money

★★★★★
Finder rating: 4.6/5

Go to site

What's in this guide?

Travel card, debit card or credit card?
These are your options for spending money in Canada
Compare travel credit cards
Exchange rate history
Withdrawing from Canadian ATMs
Cash pickup services in Canada
How much should I budget for my vacation to Canada?
Our latest travel deals to Canada

Travel card, debit card or credit card?

Don’t stress about using your card to make purchases and to withdraw cash — card acceptance and ATM availability are similar to the US. Canadian merchants accept Visa, Mastercard and American Express credit cards. Canada uses Interac Direct Payment (IDP) and you can use this system to get cash out over the counter if you’re paying with your debit or travel card. Travel cards, debit cards and credit cards are all worth comparing before you head out on your trip.

Even though you can get away with making card payment a lot of the time, there are still instances when you’ll need cash. Take a combination of the travel money products and use the right card for the right situation so you can save on international transaction charges.

Do your research before you leave so you can enjoy your trip to Canada with peace of mind that you’re spending your money smart and not giving it to your bank.

These are your options for spending money in Canada

Learn more about using a credit card in Canada

Using a credit card

Credit cards are a good way to make purchases, however, you should use your debit card when you want to make ATM withdrawals. Cash advance fees and interest can add up and give you a nasty surprise when you arrive home. Some of these charges can be avoided (look at the FAQs section of our travel money page), but it’s better just to keep your credit card for purchases and emergencies. If you plan on using the complimentary international travel insurance feature, double check that your planned activities are covered by the policy.

Pros

Complimentary travel and purchase insurance
Interest-free days on purchases
Accepted worldwide
Protected by PIN & chip
Emergency card replacement
Benefits include rewards points on spending, 0% purchases, frequent flyer perks, complimentary travel insurance

Cons

Cash advance rates and fees
ATM withdrawal fees
Higher spending limit (depends on your approved credit limit)

Debit card being swiped in a POS station Best international debit cards

Using a debit card

Look for a card that doesn’t charge for foreign exchange, international ATM fee and has no monthly or account keeping fees. If you want to take your everyday debit card with you, you’ll most likely pay $5 for international ATM withdrawals (plus the ATM operator fee) and a 3% currency conversion fee.

Pros

No currency conversion fee
No international ATM fee
Unlimited free withdrawals at selected banks

Cons

International transaction fees may apply

person at laptop with credit card and phone Prepaid travel money cards

Using a prepaid travel card

Travel cards let you spend Canadian dollars in Canada, helping you avoid the fee for currency conversion. While you can avoid currency conversion fees, look for international ATM that waive fees to save on withdrawal costs.

Tip: You might be able to miss ATM fees by taking cash out over the counter when you make a purchase.

Pros

Multiple currencies
Avoid currency conversion fees
Supplementary card

Cons

ATM fees
Reloading time

Canadian dollar banknotes Compare cash pickup services in Canada

Paying with cash in Canada

There are always going to be times when you need to pay with cash, especially if you’re buying something small — some merchants won’t accept a card for a small payment due to surcharge fees.

If you’re wondering the best way to exchange US dollars for Canadian dollars, you have these options:

Before you leave. Exchange cash using a foreign exchange service.
When you arrive. Visit a bank or a dedicated foreign exchange office, avoid exchanging cash at the airport as you can easily find a better rate elsewhere.
Withdraw from a Canadian ATM. The simplest way to get CAD is to make an ATM withdrawal when you arrive. There are multiple ATMs at Canadian airports which offer a true rate, just be conscious of ATM withdrawal fees.

Pros

Payment flexibility
Convenience

Cons

Foreign exchange fee may apply on foreign currency orders
Higher risk of theft

Woman taking a check picture Traveler’s checks guide

Using traveler’s checks

Traveler’s checks have become a thing of the past when compared to the other forms of travel money compared for the following reasons:

Your bank will give you your money back if you’re the victim of card fraud.
You can use your card in a wide number of places in Canada. Meanwhile, traveler’s checks can only be cashed at banks and a select number of merchants.
You’ll pay a fee to buy traveler’s checks.

Pros

Secure and can be easily replaced if lost or stolen

Cons

Can only be cashed at banks and selected merchants
Fee paid when buying traveler’s checks

Compare travel credit cards

Name	Welcome offer	Rewards	Annual fee
American Express® Gold Card	60,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first 6 months	4x at restaurants including delivery and Uber Eats; 4x at US supermarkets on up to $25,000 annually (then 1x points) and 3x points on directly-booked flights	$250	Earn up to 4x points on select purchases, a bevy of travel perks, and a welcome offer worth up to $600 with this upper-mid tier travel card. Terms apply, see rates & fees	Apply now View details	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card	60,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months, a value of up to $750 through Chase Ultimate Rewards. Plus up to $50 statement credit towards groceries.	5x points on Lyft, 2x points on up to $1,000 on groceries until April 30, 2021, 2x points on travel and dining and 1x points on all other purchases	$95	Earn a signup bonus worth $750 plus up to $50 statement credit towards groceries with this popular travel card.	Apply now View details	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
The Platinum Card® from American Express	75,000 points after spending $5,000 in your first 6 months, plus 10x points at US gas stations and US supermarkets on up to $15,000 in combined purchases in the same timeframe	10x points at US gas stations and US supermarkets on up to $15,000 combined in the first 6 months, 5x points on directly-booked flights on up to $500,000 annually, then 1x points after that and on other purchases	$550	One of the most valuable premium travel cards, featuring two welcome offers worth up to $4,500, multiple travel credits and unrivaled lounge access. Terms apply, see rates & fees	Apply now View details	Compare	loading Fetching your data...

Compare up to 4 providers

Exchange rate history

The Canadian dollar has become stronger than the US dollar in the past five years. That being said, when you exchange your money, it might not stretch as far when traveling in Canada.

Refreshing in: 60s | Sun, Mar 07, 07:49PM GMT

Did you know?

The Canadian dollar is one of the most traded currencies in the world, it’s referred to as the “buck.” This can be traced back to the origins of Canada’s history, where the Hudson’s Bay Company created a coin worth the pelt of one male beaver, otherwise known as a buck.

Common Canadian dollar banknotes:

Withdrawing from Canadian ATMs

Look for the Visa, Visa PLUS or Mastercard logo on the front of the machine to see whether you can use your card to get cash. A local ATM operator fee applies each time you withdraw cash. This fee is comparable to the US where you’ll pay $2 to $3 each time your withdraw in addition to international ATM charges and currency conversion charges.

Find ATMs in Canada

Cash pickup services in Canada

I want to send

Min. Transfer Amount	Transfer Speed	Online Transfer Fee	Rate	Amount Received	Description	CTA	Details
$1	Within an hour	USD 3.99	1.259	CAD 1,254	WorldRemit sends money to 110+ countries for bank-to-bank deposits, cash pick-ups or mobile top-ups.	Go to site	Compare	Show details	Details Minimum transfer amount 1.00 Transfer methods Online, Bank Account to Bank Account, Cash Transfer Transfer options One off payments Customer service Phone, Email Available currencies AED, ALL, AMD, AOA, ARS, AUD, BAM, BBD, BDT, BGN, BHD, BIF, BOB, BRL, BWP, CAD, CDF, CHF, CLP, CNY, COP, CRC, CVE, CZK, DKK, DOP, EGP, ETB, EUR, FJD, GBP, GEL, GHS, GMD, GNF, GTQ, HKD, HNL, HRK, HTG, HUF, IDR, ILS, INR, ISK, JMD, JOD, KES, KGS, KHR, KMF, KRW, KWD, KYD, KZT, LAK, LKR, LRD, LSL, MAD, MDL, MGA, MRO, MUR, MVR, MWK, MXN, MYR, MZN, NAD, NGN, NIO, NOK, NPR, NZD, OMR, PAB, PEN, PHP, PKR, PLN, PYG, RON, RUB, RWF, SCR, SEK, SGD, SLL, SOS, SRD, THB, TJS, TND, TOP, TRY, TZS, UGX, USD, UYU, VND, WST, XAF, XCD, XOF, ZAR, ZMW, BYN Go to site Read the full review
$10	Within an hour	N/A	N/A	N/A	Special offers like free transfers and better exchange rates available for new customers. Remitly has quick, affordable transfers around the world, with both express and economy options.	Go to site	Compare	Show details	Details Minimum transfer amount 10.00 Transfer methods Online, Bank Account to Bank Account, Cash Transfer Transfer options N/A Customer service Phone, Chat, Email Available currencies ALL, AMD, ARS, AZN, BAM, BDT, BGN, BIF, BOB, BRL, BSD, CLP, CNY, COP, CRC, CZK, DOP, EGP, ETB, EUR, FJD, GEL, GHS, GMD, GNF, GTQ, GYD, HNL, HRK, HTG, HUF, IDR, ILS, INR, JMD, JOD, JPY, KES, KGS, KHR, KMF, KRW, KZT, LKR, LRD, MAD, MDL, MGA, MKD, MMK, MWK, MXN, MYR, NIO, NPR, PAB, PEN, PHP, PKR, PLN, PYG, RON, RSD, RUB, RWF, SLL, SRD, SVC, THB, TJS, TND, TRY, TZS, UAH, UGX, USD, UYU, UZS, VND, XAF, XOF, ZAR, ZMW, BYN Go to site Read the full review
$1	Within an hour	USD 8.00	1.237	CAD 1,227	MoneyGram has fast cash pick-up transfers to more than 350,000 agent locations worldwide.		Compare	Show details	Details Minimum transfer amount 1.00 Transfer methods Online, Agent, Bank Account to Bank Account, Cash Transfer, International Money Order Transfer options N/A Customer service Phone, Email Available currencies AED, AFN, ALL, AMD, ANG, AOA, ARS, AUD, AWG, AZN, BAM, BBD, BDT, BGN, BHD, BIF, BMD, BND, BOB, BRL, BSD, BTN, BWP, BZD, CAD, CHF, CLP, CNY, COP, CRC, CZK, DJF, DKK, DOP, DZD, EGP, ERN, ETB, EUR, FJD, GBP, GEL, GHS, GIP, GMD, GNF, GTQ, GYD, HKD, HNL, HRK, HTG, HUF, IDR, ILS, INR, IQD, IRR, ISK, JMD, JOD, JPY, KES, KGS, KHR, KMF, KRW, KWD, KYD, KZT, LAK, LBP, LKR, LRD, LSL, LYD, MAD, MDL, MGA, MKD, MNT, MOP, MRO, MUR, MVR, MWK, MXN, MYR, MZN, NAD, NGN, NIO, NOK, NPR, NZD, OMR, PAB, PEN, PGK, PHP, PKR, PLN, PYG, RON, RSD, RUB, RWF, SAR, SBD, SCR, SDG, SEK, SGD, SLL, SRD, STD, SVC, SZL, THB, TJS, TND, TOP, TRY, TTD, TWD, TZS, UAH, UGX, USD, UYU, UZS, VEF, VND, VUV, WST, XAF, XCD, XOF, XPF, YER, ZAR, ZMW, BYN Read the full review
$1	3 - 5 days	USD 20.00	1.234	CAD 1,209	Western Union sends money online to friends and family in 200+ countries around the world.		Compare	Show details	Details Minimum transfer amount 1.00 Transfer methods Online, Phone, Agent, Bank Account to Bank Account, International Money Order Transfer options Regular payments, One off payments Customer service Phone, Chat, Email, Branch Available currencies AED, AFN, ALL, AMD, ANG, AOA, ARS, AUD, AWG, AZN, BAM, BBD, BDT, BGN, BHD, BIF, BMD, BND, BOB, BRL, BSD, BTN, BWP, BZD, CAD, CDF, CHF, CLP, CNY, COP, CRC, CUP, CVE, CZK, DJF, DKK, DOP, DZD, EGP, ERN, ETB, EUR, FJD, FKP, GBP, GEL, GGP, GHS, GIP, GMD, GNF, GTQ, GYD, HKD, HNL, HRK, HTG, HUF, IDR, ILS, IMP, INR, IQD, IRR, ISK, JEP, JMD, JOD, JPY, KES, KGS, KHR, KMF, KPW, KRW, KWD, KYD, KZT, LAK, LBP, LKR, LRD, LSL, LYD, MAD, MDL, MGA, MKD, MMK, MNT, MOP, MRO, MUR, MVR, MWK, MXN, MYR, MZN, NAD, NGN, NIO, NOK, NPR, NZD, OMR, PAB, PEN, PGK, PHP, PKR, PLN, PYG, QAR, RON, RSD, RUB, RWF, SAR, SBD, SCR, SDG, SEK, SGD, SHP, SLL, SOS, SPL, SRD, STD, SYP, SZL, THB, TJS, TMT, TND, TOP, TRY, TTD, TVD, TWD, TZS, UAH, UGX, USD, UYU, UZS, VEF, VND, VUV, WST, XAF, XCD, XDR, XOF, XPF, YER, ZAR, ZMW Read the full review

Compare up to 4 providers

Disclaimer: Exchange rates change often. Confirm the total cost with the provider before transferring money.

How much should I budget for my vacation to Canada?

Canada and the US are similar countries when it comes to daily spending and vacation expenses. Like all places around the world, prices jump up significantly in ski resorts. So, you’re going to need more cash if you head up the slopes. All prices are in US dollars.

Whistler	Budget	Mid-range	Expensive
Accommodation	Motel (Whistler) $90 per night Hostel (Winnipeg) $30 per night	3-star hotel (Whistler) $200–$300 per night 3-star hotel (Winnipeg) $100 per night	5-star hotel (Whistler) $400–$500 per night 4-star hotel (Winnipeg) $150 per night
Meals	Whistler’s best burgers $10–$15 Drive in fast food (Winnipeg) $4–$8	Mexican food (Whistler) $20 Pub food (Winnipeg) $10–$20	Araxi restaurant 10 oz. steak (Whistler) $54 Angus Sirloin (Winnipeg) $36
Activities	Snowshoe walking tour (Whistler) $80 per person Manitoba Museum (Winnipeg) $7 per person	10 days skiing (Whistler) $750 WWII Historical Walking Tour (Westminster) $80 per person	Sea to Sky Exotic Driving (Whistler) $800 White water rafting (Winnipeg) $120

_{Prices are approximate and are subject to change.}

Case study: Michael's experience

Michael

Michael’s season in Whistler

Michael spent a season skiing Canada’s famous peaks: Whistler and Blackcomb. The season lasts for approximately six months starting in November and ending around May.

Michael’s tips for managing travel money in Canada

Michael says he had savings in his US bank account, and he needed to transfer this money to his new Canadian account. He made a lump sum transfer every month or two. He recommends the services of OFX, a foreign exchange and international payments company.

International payments. He says it was very easy to create an account and make a payment to OFX. It only took a couple of days for the funds to clear in his Canadian account. A transfer fee of $25 was charged by OFX for each transaction.
Travel safety. He also says give fanny packs a chance. While they may not be coolest choice of apparel, it’s savvy nonetheless. Michael’s words: “A travel fanny pack is probably a good idea for people who are prone to losing things.”

If you’re planning on hitting the slopes while you’re in Canada, you will need to make sure that you have additional insurance. Make sure your trip is protected and compare travel insurance policies today.

Find cheap travel insurance options for your next trip to Canada

Our latest travel deals to Canada

Marriott

Up to 25% off US and Canada resort vacations

Explore our resort collection throughout the U.S. and Canada to find the perfect retreat and save up to 25%. Offer varies by hotel. T&Cs apply.

Last verified 27 Oct 2020

Show code

Coupon code ends 5 Apr 2021

Expedia.com

Cheap flights to Paris from just $164 return

Book discounted flights to Paris, France with Delta, United Airlines, American Airlines, Air Canada, Lufthansa and other airlines.

Last verified 23 Feb 2021

Get deal

Air Transat

If you are visiting Canada on your next vacation, or travelling to Europe with a connecting flight, take advantage of our domestic flights! Check our flight schedule for complete details.

Last verified 8 Feb 2021

Get deal

StudentUniverse

$20 discount on (1) international flight departing from the US or Canada

Arriving anywhere EXCEPT the United States, Canada, Mexico or the Caribbean. New users only.

Last verified 5 Feb 2021

Show code

Orbitz

Cheap flights to Japan from $308 round trip

Book flights to Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, Sapporo and other cities in Japan with ANA, Air Canada, China Airlines, China Eastern, Xiamen Air, Singapore Airlines, Air China and other airlines.

Last verified 29 Dec 2020

Get deal

StudentUniverse

$20 discount on (1) flight departing from China (including Hong Kong), South Korea, Japan, Vietnam or India and arriving in the United States or Canada. New users only.

Last verified 10 Nov 2020

Show code

Air Canada

One way flight deals starting at $85

Last verified 20 Oct 2020

Get deal

Air Canada

Explore our Special Offers for flights to amazing destinations around the world.

We have new flight offers all year-round. So come back and check often, you don't want to miss out!

Last verified 9 Oct 2020

Get deal

Trafalgar Tours

Trafalgar US_Save 7.5% off 2020 US & Canada trips with Trafalgar US! Book

Last verified 11 Feb 2020

Get deal

Contiki

Up to 15% off ski vacations and snowboarding trips

Enjoy the thrills of the best skiing worldwide plus exploring new locations with group ski trips to destinations like Canada, Europe, New Zealand, Japan and more. Duration: 7-16 days.

Last verified 10 Feb 2020

Get deal

The Powder Rush ski tour from Vancouver to Calgary

Visit Vancouver, Whistler, Banff National Park, and Calgary on this active ski and sightseeing tour of the best snowy Canada has to offer.

Last verified 10 Feb 2020

Get deal

Expedia.com

Compare flights to Japan from just $449 return

Take off to Tokyo, Kobe, Fukuoka, Osaka and other cities in Japan with China Eastern, Air China, Air Canada, Japan Airlines or ANA.

Last verified 3 Feb 2020

Get deal

Expedia.com

Flight deals to London from just $251 return

Available select dates from January to May 2020, fly to London with Air Canada, British Airways, American Airlines, Delta and other airlines from just $251 return.

Last verified 27 Nov 2019

Get deal

National Car Rental

Choose any car (Midsize and above) on the Emerald Aisle and only pay the Midsize rate. (in US and Canada).

Last verified 15 Nov 2019

Get deal

Thank you for your feedback!

Kyle Morgan

Kyle Morgan is a writer and editor for Finder who has worked for the USA Today network and Relix magazine, among other publications. He can be found writing about everything from the latest car loan stats to tips on saving money when traveling overseas. He lives in Asbury Park, where he loves exploring new places and sipping on hoppy beer. Oh, and he doesn't discriminate against buffalo wings — grilled or fried are just fine.

More guides on Finder

The best debit cards for kids for 2021
Support your child’s financial knowledge and teach the important real-life money skills in a safe and controlled way with a kids’ debit card.
Mazoola review
Help your child learn to spend and save wisely with a virtual, COPPA-compliant debit card.
Best secured credit cards of 2021
Our top picks can help you build your credit without paying sky-high fees.
Best credit cards for travel in 2021
Here are our picks for the top travel cards on the market.
Best airline credit cards of 2021
Have your sights set on travel this year? We compared nearly 100 cards to find the best deals and perks.
Air Canada to launch new Chase credit card in the US
Air Canada anticipates launching the new credit card and also joining Chase’s lineup of travel partners in 2021.
10 experts share financial tips and money hacks
It’s never a bad time to take stock of your habits and make a plan to do better.
Prepaid international roaming
Traveling overseas? See how much it costs to roam globally with Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, Cricket Wireless, Mint Mobile and Cricket Wireless.
Guide to Chase Mastercard credit cards
There are three Chase Mastercard credit cards, but all three are excellent options for frequent travelers.
Tax guidelines and regulations for large money transfers to Hong Kong
Sending a large money transfer to Hong Kong? Learn about laws and required documentation before you transfer.

Ask an Expert

Click here to cancel reply.

Display Name

Your Email (will not be published)

Your Question

I agree to Finder’s terms of use and privacy and cookie policy, and I opt in to receive email from Finder

Subscribe me to Finder’s free weekly newsletter for budgeting tools, timely news and savings essentials to take control of your finances

Finder.com provides guides and information on a range of products and services. Because our content is not financial advice, we suggest talking with a professional before you make any decision.

By submitting your comment or question, you agree to our Privacy and Cookies Policy and finder.com Terms of Use.

Questions and responses on finder.com are not provided, paid for or otherwise endorsed by any bank or brand. These banks and brands are not responsible for ensuring that comments are answered or accurate.

Travel money guide: Canada

Use our travel money guide to prepare for your trip to the land of snow and the Northern Lights.

Travel Money Type

Compare

Locations

Compare More Cards

Sign up & start saving!

Our picks for traveling to Canada

What's in this guide?

Travel card, debit card or credit card?

These are your options for spending money in Canada

Using a credit card

Pros

Cons

Using a debit card

Pros

Cons

Using a prepaid travel card

Pros

Cons

Paying with cash in Canada

Pros

Cons

Using traveler’s checks

Pros

Cons

Compare travel credit cards

Compare up to 4 providers

Exchange rate history

Did you know?

Withdrawing from Canadian ATMs

Find ATMs in Canada

Cash pickup services in Canada

Compare up to 4 providers

How much should I budget for my vacation to Canada?

Case study: Michael's experience

Michael’s season in Whistler

Read more on this topic:

Our latest travel deals to Canada

Kyle Morgan

More guides on Finder

Ask an Expert

Advertiser Disclosure