Buying Canadian Dollars

blitzwing85

blitzwing85

blitzwing85

Soldato
Joined
11 Sep 2011
Posts
2,544
Location
Reykjavik, Iceland
Anyone know what the exchange rates are like when buying Canadian Dollars in Canada/Vancouver? ATMs or at an airport desk?

If the rates are bad, my parents are actually flying out to visit me in Iceland tomorrow and I could ask them to bring me some as they are available at the local Asda to collect.

I won't need a lot to be honest as I'll use my CC most of the time - so slightly poorer rate won't matter too much. Maybe only £500 or so.
 
blitzwing85 said:
Anyone know what the exchange rates are like when buying Canadian Dollars in Canada/Vancouver? ATMs or at an airport desk?

If the rates are bad, my parents are actually flying out to visit me in Iceland tomorrow and I could ask them to bring me some as they are available at the local Asda to collect.

I won't need a lot to be honest as I'll use my CC most of the time - so slightly poorer rate won't matter too much. Maybe only £500 or so.
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You'd need to check, but I imagine Travelex will be cheaper than ASDA, and you'll be able to order Travelex now and collect at the airport, getting the online rate (I think).

As per other post, withdrawing cash (and paying it off immediately) is the cheapest option if you have a credit card such as Halifax Clarity. This will beat any other option easily.
 
Depending on which card you use at the ATM of course, the ATMs are the best rates for the Canadian dollar.

Apparently.

1.85 at the UK post office, 1.89 at Canadian ATMs is what I read.
 
I don't have a Clarity card - and I don't live in the UK to get one.
I meant to before I left but didn't end up getting around to it.

I'll check if there are any charges on my card for using at an ATM. It doesn't charge for use in shops/restaurants etc.

I'll try and get to a bank or exchange place in Reykjavik to see what the rates are here. But they seem to always close early so it's hard to catch them.

I think i'll just use the ATM in Canada, but just get small amount and only get more if I need it. Should be able to use card for 95% of purchases.
 
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if it is just a small amount and a faff to get via any specialist FX places (don't use the standard airport ones!) then might as well use an ATM
 
Rotty said:
I have had so much trouble with them, ATMs declining card, limits lower than they advertise, **** customer service, wouldn't go near them
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I've never had an issue. Used the card all over Europe, US, central America etc. Sounds like you've been unlucky!
 
If you have a smartphone get this app and order a card once you've signed up (it's all free). Load it up with money (£) and use it in any country in the world, no fees, good rates, you can pay in shops/restaurants with it as it's a MasterCard and you can use it in ATMs: https://revolut.com/

EDIT: Just noticed someone already recommended it.
 
Mulder said:
I've never had an issue. Used the card all over Europe, US, central America etc. Sounds like you've been unlucky!
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their ATM limits are very low and the ones stated on website misleading/incorrect

caused me so much grief in Vegas last year
 
Revolut is annoying in the USA. (California recently)

Friend got his randomly declined in places, when he asked Revolut support why they stated the particular card payment system was not secure enough. (Swiped only)

The 7/11 was one place where the card failed.

It may be just the failing of the pre-paid card requiring a live autherisation to stop you going into a negative balance.

I'd not like to travel with one of these as my only option.

Halifax Clarity worked in every instance where his pre-paid card failed.
 
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