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[menotti]

Ok, I know I sound like a massive rube, but the last time I was in Canada I was a student, it was pre-9/11, and I didn't use credit cards and ATMs for everything.  Do I still need to load up on Canadian dollars before I go?  Will my U. S. credit cards/ATM card work up there?

[corny]

I've been to Canada for conferences twice in the last year - both times I had some Canadian cash with me, because it makes me uncomfortable to not have *any* cash, but U.S. credit/debit cards worked fine as well. (I didn't use the ATMs but can't imagine there would be any difficulty.) A friend at the most recent conference relied entirely on her credit/debit cards and did fine - although (ahem) it turned out to be handy that I had some cash for coffee, tips, etc.

You might also want to investigate what kind of foreign transaction fees your bank / credit card company will charge for different kinds of things, and compare that to what kind of fees you pay to get foreign cash in the U.S. I realized this belatedly, after I realized that I'd paid about 10% (in the form of the difference between the exchange rate I was charged at and the "plain" exchange rate - sorry, I don't know what that's actually called) to get my CAD in advance. My credit card company, on the other hand, charged me only a few cents per foreign transaction with a much more competitive exchange rate.

[wanna_writemore]

Check with your bank or credit union to see if their ATM network is linked to a Canadian one.  Our account is at BigEvilBank in part because we can take out cash without ATM fees at a Canadian bank.  By the way - I had to look for this on the bank's website, because the person at the branch was useless (a common problem with BigEvilBank and its BigEvil counterparts)

[madhatter]

Generally, yes, you can use a credit card or make withdrawals using your ATM card. The exchange rate that you get is generally good (as opposed to the exchange rate you'll pay if you change money at Thomas Cook or somewhere); however, this may be more than counterbalanced by a per-transaction foreign exchange fee that your bank or credit card company may charge you. Unfortunately, I don't know of any surefire way to avoid some degree of gouging on foreign exchange.

Be aware that the Canadian dollar has never been stronger against the US dollar. Prepare for some serious sticker shock.

[merit_decrease]

You might need to warn your bank ahead of time that you'll be traveling - I once had my debit card (Bank of Satan) frozen after the first time I used it outside the country (they assume it's been stolen).

[anthroid]

I've always had terrible trouble using my credit cards and debit card (in fact, I never was able to use my debit card) in Canada, even after alerting my banks about my travel plans.  Maybe it's just me.  I just carry loads of cash when I'm there.  I had less trouble using my debit card in Italy than I did in Canada.

[sugaree]

Credit cards won't be a problem (except for the pesky foreign transaction fee!), but I don't think Discover Card has made it north of the border. MC and Visa are everywhere, though. Debit cards are a different story - I've never tried to use my US debit in Canada (or vice versa) since the 2 monetary systems are, indeed, different (even though they are both technically in "dollars.")

And chime with Madhatter - the loonie is above par and has been for months now. Everything costs more in Canada and weak US dollars no longer get a favorable exchange rate.

[merinoblue]

Credit cards won't be a problem (except for the pesky foreign transaction fee!), but I don't think Discover Card has made it north of the border. MC and Visa are everywhere, though. Debit cards are a different story - I've never tried to use my US debit in Canada (or vice versa) since the 2 monetary systems are, indeed, different (even though they are both technically in "dollars.")

And chime with Madhatter - the loonie is above par and has been for months now. Everything costs more in Canada and weak US dollars no longer get a favorable exchange rate.

MC use (and acceptance) seems to be in serious decline in Canada. I would not count on using it.  Visa is accepted everywhere. Take enough cash to pay for your cab fare, incidentals (e.g. groceries, snacks), airport meals, and shared meals at restaurants. $200 for a 3-4 day conference should do it (YMMV). You can charge everything else to Visa.

[llanfair]

And have fun! No matter where you're travelling for your conference, there's bound to be something neat within striking distance.

[anon99]

MC and visa are taken at most stores, AmEx not so much.  For ATMs check the logo on the back of the card (plus, interac, etc).  You may only be able to use it at certain ATMs and what others said about letting your bank know you are out of the country.  If you are stuck when you arrive, most airports have a currency exchange booth where you can buy Canadian dollars.

[merinoblue]

And of course, we will all be PMing you with our home phone numbers, in case you get stuck and need a meal...

[moodymoodie]

Precisely, although I suspect the chances of you coming to Moosebreath are small.

[anthroid]

MC and visa are taken at most stores, AmEx not so much.  For ATMs check the logo on the back of the card (plus, interac, etc).  You may only be able to use it at certain ATMs and what others said about letting your bank know you are out of the country.  If you are stuck when you arrive, most airports have a currency exchange booth where you can buy Canadian dollars.

SO has had NO trouble with his AmEx but I've had trouble with both Visa and MC (debit card is a Visa).  Bring in Canadian dollars (which you can get at every border crossing for no charge).  I also have found that most places, at least in cottage country Ontario (above Toronto on Georgian Bay/Lake Huron) will take American dollars and coin.

[llanfair]

I also have found that most places, at least in cottage country Ontario (above Toronto on Georgian Bay/Lake Huron) will take American dollars and coin.

This applies to a lot of resort/tourist areas, for sure.  Nearly every business on Prince Edward Island does, for example.

[alleyoxenfree]

How are you traveling?  Last time I went to Canada, I didn't need a passport, but I believe you do now - perhaps only if you're flying?  Worth checking.