Trip planning

[tywest]

Next month we will be taking the EB from Milwaukee to Seattle. From Seattle we are going to Vancouver, BC. I have a few questions..

We are packing light and I am wondering about the luggage storage on our car. Will there be enough room for two small/medium suitcases in the luggage area on the frist deck? Or should we check them?

Should we get Canadian currency ahead of time or is it easy to obtain once we get there? If before, how much is a good amount to start with $50 - 100?

Thanks

 

[JayPea]

There will be more than plenty of room for your suitcases on the lower level. The luggage storage area is big there.

Have fun!

 

[fredevad]

Should we get Canadian currency ahead of time or is it easy to obtain once we get there? If before, how much is a good amount to start with $50 - 100?

Last time I was in Vancouver (which was in 1997), it was fairly easy to find currency exchanges and airport porters, etc accepted tips in USD. However, you may pay less in fees if you can exchange before you go at your own bank. How much you should get depends on what you have budgeted for your time in Canada.

Have a great trip - I did the EB a year and a half ago to just the other side of Glacier National Part and loved it!

 

[MrFSS]

Should we get Canadian currency ahead of time or is it easy to obtain once we get there? If before, how much is a good amount to start with $50 - 100?

The best way to do this is use a credit card or a Visa/Mastercard Debit card that takes the cash right out of your checking account. You will get the best exchange rate this way. On my several trips to Canada over the years the places that are close to the US and tourist type places will gladly accept US money but that exchange rate may not be as good as you would get with a credit card.

For tipping - us US bills - no problem.

 

[EB_OBS]

MrFSS's tips are right on. There is also a money exchange right there in the Vancouver station.

 

[alanh]

Generally an ATM card is the best deal, but watch out for per-transaction fees for getting cash.

Buying currency in the US tends to be expensive, as is using airport, hotel, or train station kiosks.

 

[Alice]

I also agree with MrFSS about using a credit card. Check each of your cards in advance as they'll have different fees. With the two dollars virtually identical in value, you don't want to be hit with much per transaction and per dollar fees. Some firms will bill in USD on request in order for their customers to avoid those fees.

 

[Cascadia]

I also agree with MrFSS about using a credit card. Check each of your cards in advance as they'll have different fees. With the two dollars virtually identical in value, you don't want to be hit with much per transaction and per dollar fees. Some firms will bill in USD on request in order for their customers to avoid those fees.

I always change my money at Vancouver Bullion and Currency Exchange

http://www.vbce.ca

They have a branch downtown not far from Waterfront Station (terminus of SkyTrain and SeaBus).

If you have to change somewhere that has a per transaction fee, then it is better to change a larger amount at once, rather than doing multiple transactions.

For Vancouver activities my first suggestion would be to walk the seawall promenade which is completed for the entire waterfront of Vancouver including all of False Creek. It is all a park and very very very nice and you could spend your whole time there just taking a beautiful walk along the water with benches everywhere, trees and gardens, and gorgeous views.

The southeast "corner" of False Creek is where they had the Olympic Village, and the waterfront adjacent was developed last fall into a very architecturally stunning park which you should check out - it starts right by Science World which is two blocks from Pacific Central Station.

 

[Anthony]

If you happen to use Bank of America, you can withdraw money using your BofA ATM card at any Scotiabank ATM in Canada with no added fees from either bank. This is absolutely the best option if you use BofA.

Also, Capital One currently does not charge any conversion or transaction fees should you use one of their credit cards in a foreign country (including Canada).

 

[jis]

Also before using your credit card make sure that you know exactly what the credit card will tack on. More and more credit cards are charging somewhere between 1% and 3% on foreign currency transactions over and above any other fee.

 

[alanh]

Note that most cards charge a foreign fee outside the US even if the transaction is in US dollars. This can cause a double fee - one from the merchant and again from the bank. Always decline the merchant billing you in dollars.