Getting Canadian Dollars for Your Trip

Canada offers incredible diversity — from the cosmopolitan cities of Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal to the stunning wilderness of the Rockies, Niagara Falls, and countless national parks. The Canadian dollar is a stable, widely-traded currency.

The Canadian Dollar (CAD, symbol C$ or simply $) uses colourful polymer notes in $5, $10, $20, $50, and $100 denominations. Coins include 1¢ (penny, discontinued but still legal tender), 5¢ (nickel), 10¢ (dime), 25¢ (quarter), $1 (Loonie), and $2 (Toonie).

Key insight for 2026: Canada is extremely card-friendly — even small purchases can be made by card. However, you must budget for tips (15-20%) which significantly adds to costs. Tips are expected, not optional, in Canadian culture.

Best Ways to Get CAD Before You Travel

Here are your options ranked from best to worst:

1. Fee-free travel card (Wise, Revolut) — Best option. Excellent exchange rates, works everywhere, and minimizes ATM fees.
2. Order CAD online before you go — Services like TravelFX or Moneycorp offer good rates for cash.
3. Specialist currency bureaux — Better rates than high street options.
4. Withdraw from Canadian ATMs — Convenient but most charge CAD$2-5 per transaction.
5. High street bureaux (Post Office, Travelex) — Convenient but higher margins.
6. Airport exchange — Worst rates. Avoid at Toronto Pearson, Vancouver YVR, etc.

Using Cards in Canada

Canada is one of the most card-friendly countries in the world. Contactless "tap" payments are universal.

Where Cards Work Perfectly

Literally everywhere — restaurants, cafes, shops, transit systems, taxis, ski resorts, national parks, farmers' markets, food trucks, street vendors. Many Canadian businesses are moving to card-only.

Where You Might Want Cash

Tips (though most places let you add tips on card), some smaller rural businesses, garage sales, buskers, and some vending machines.

Payment Tips

Contactless/tap limits are typically CAD$250+ per transaction. Chip and PIN also works. Always decline Dynamic Currency Conversion — pay in CAD. Visa and Mastercard are universal; Amex is widely accepted in cities.

Withdrawing Cash from Canadian ATMs

While you won't need much cash, here's what to know:

ATM Fees

Most Canadian banks charge CAD$2-5 for non-customer withdrawals. Major banks include RBC, TD Canada Trust, BMO, Scotiabank, and CIBC. Your UK bank may add additional foreign transaction fees.

Minimising Fees

Use a fee-free travel card (Wise, Revolut) to eliminate your bank's foreign fees. Withdraw larger amounts less frequently to reduce per-transaction fees. Some ATMs in convenience stores charge even higher fees — stick to bank machines.

DCC Warning

Always choose to be charged in CAD, not GBP. Dynamic Currency Conversion adds 3-5% to your costs.

💰 Tipping in Canada — Essential Guide

Canada has a North American tipping culture. Tips are expected and form a significant part of service workers' income. Not tipping is considered rude.

• Restaurants — 15-20% before tax. 15% is acceptable, 18-20% for good service. Check if gratuity is already included for large groups.
• Bars — CAD$1-2 per drink, or 15-20% of the tab.
• Cafes/Coffee shops — Not mandatory; tipping jar contributions or CAD$1-2 appreciated.
• Taxis/Uber — 10-15% is standard.
• Hotel housekeeping — CAD$2-5 per night.
• Hotel porters — CAD$2-5 per bag.
• Hairdressers/spas — 15-20%.
• Tour guides — 10-20% depending on tour length and quality.

How to tip: At restaurants, you can add tip when paying by card — the machine will prompt you. Options usually include percentage buttons (15%, 18%, 20%) or a custom amount.

Can I Use US Dollars in Canada?

Technically some places near the US border accept USD, but it's not recommended:

• You'll get a poor exchange rate (often at par or worse, when CAD is typically 25-30% less)
• You'll receive change in Canadian dollars anyway
• Most businesses outside major tourist areas won't accept USD

Bottom line: Use Canadian dollars. The CAD and USD are different currencies with different values.