Travel money

US dollars: buy them before you leave or when you get there?

2 min read

A pile of US one-dollar bills

The US is still the top destination

Even though trips to the US have dropped, it remains Canadians' top destination: Statistics Canada counted 23.1 million trips that included a US visit in 2025, down 23.5% from 2024. Whether it's Florida, New York or a shopping weekend, the question comes up: cash or card?

The options compared

Option

Cost

Pros

Cons

Buy US dollars before you leave

The exchange counter's spread

Rate known in advance, cash on arrival

You need to plan the amount

Pay by credit card

About 2.5% foreign transaction fee on most cards

Simple, secure

A fee on every purchase, unless your card has no FX fee

Withdraw from a US ATM

Your bank's and the ATM's flat fees + conversion

Convenient

Fees add up quickly on small withdrawals

Why keep some US cash?

In the US, tipping is part of the price in many situations: restaurants, taxis, room service, porters, valet parking. Having $1, $5 and $10 bills saves a lot of hassle. Cash is also handy for small shops, parking and markets.

Long stays: buy in instalments

If you spend the winter down south, your US dollar needs can run into the thousands. Rather than buying everything on one day, you can buy in two or three instalments in the weeks before you leave. You won't necessarily get the best rate, but you avoid buying everything on the worst day.

For $3,000 or more, bring ID. Above C$10,000 in cash, you must report it at the border, when leaving Canada and when entering the US (more than US$10,000).

And when you come back?

Bring your US banknotes back: we buy them at the day's rate. Or keep them for your next trip — US dollars don't expire.

How to pay less

  • Buy most of your cash before you leave, at an exchange counter rather than at the airport.

  • At terminals, if you're offered to pay in Canadian dollars, decline (why?).

  • Check today's rates and reserve your US dollars online to pick them up in Saint-Laurent, Laval or Brossard.

Frequently asked questions

How many US dollars should I bring for a week?

Enough for tips and small expenses for a few days; your card can cover the rest. The amount depends on how you travel.

Are old US bills still good?

US banknotes remain valid, but some shops are reluctant to accept very worn or damaged bills. Ask for bills in good condition.

About the author

ClickExchange

ClickExchange team

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