travelling to Canada from US, questions

[AlienInv8r]

I'm gonna be leaving to go to Canada for a week to go snowboarding, and had a few questions to anyone that lives there (I know we've got a few Canadians) or people that have travelled there in the past.

I'm going to Tremblant, and they say the village takes both US and Canadian dollars there. What is the better way to go, just pay in $US or to exchange my money for $Can?? Basically, I've heard both sides saying it's no big deal to use US money, other people say you'll save more money if you swap to Canadian money due to the favorable exchange rate. Anyone have input on that? Also, how will it work with my credit card? Will Visa charge me some sort of fee for spending money in Canada, or will it show up on my billing statement no problem?

If anyone's been to Tremblant, tell me about it! I can't wait to go, the slopes and resort have been ranked as one of the best in North America. But yeah, was just wondering what's the best way to save some cash while I'm there. Any overall tips about Canada vs US where things are different would help too.

[sac2165]

From what I've heard, when traveling to other countries, use a credit card whenever you can. The folks at the credit card company will make sure you don't get ripped off when you exchange money.

[Brad G.]

Originally posted by AlienInv8r:
other people say you'll save more money if you swap to Canadian money due to the favorable exchange rate. Anyone have input on that?

When you pay with U.S. money at the register, you still get the exchange rate. Its not you are paying one U.S. dollar in place of one canadian dollar.

[mjparme]

When you pay with U.S. money at the register, you still get the exchange rate. Its not you are paying one U.S. dollar in place of one canadian dollar.

Yeah, but if it is anything like traveling in Mexico stores will just use a generic exchange rate. Like in mexico they were doing 10 peso's to the dollar at stores, even though the exchange rate was 11.3 peso's to one dollar. You would have to go to a bank or other such place to get the official rate.

You best bet is to use your ATM card which will give you canadian dollars. It will take care of exchanging for you and probably give you the best exchange rate.

[Everglades W68]

Use credit card (or ATMs for cash); exchange rates are generally better than any money exchange places (or people taking both loons and US dollars).

Pleasee post a review of Tremblant when you return. My wife and I were just looking at Tremblant info yesterday.

[AlienInv8r]

Yeah, I did a little research, and Fromer's site had some good info. It sounds like Credit Card is the way to go, that means I gotta find my stinkin pin number, doh. But yeah, the stores will have their own exchange rate for $US and it seems like they'll charge you more rather than if I used Canadian dollars (ie-US dollar doesnt go as far when used in stores rather than CC or exchange company).

What about the rules concerning alcohol? I'm going on a large bus with a college student tour company; Are they strict about brining alcohol back into the states? I'm only 20, so I plan on taking advantage of their 18yo drinking age and bringing a decent amount back.

I'll definitely give a review and probably upload a picture album of the resort when I get back. Tremblant is ranked as the best resort in the east, and also usually as one of the best in the world for nightlife/apres-ski. I'm dying for Jan 2nd to get here.

[Everglades W68]

Drink all the alcohol you want while you're there; don't bring anything back due to your age.

And, yes, Customs does check for undeclared alcohol brought in over the limit - taxes/duties.