xnman
Wisconsin
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Joined: 06/28/2007
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After reading the thread on credit cards, I am under the opinion that most places in Canada do accept USA debit/credit cards or at least most of them.
But what about Traverlers Checks? We are planning a trip to Alaska and are thinking about having a bunch of traverers checks.
Are they accepted throughout Canada?
Would they be safer than plastic?
Thanks for your input.
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427435
Rochester, Mn
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Joined: 11/12/2005
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The Canadian business's will accept the US credit cards, but if you haven't notified your credit card company of your travels, you will likely find your credit card company not allowing charges being made from Canada.
I found the best way to handle Canadian expenses was getting cash with my ATM card. The charges were less than the credit card charges for "international" usage.
Mark
2000 Itasca Suncruiser 35U on a Ford chassis
2003 Ford Explorer toad with US Gear brakes,
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CloudDriver
New Jersey Shore
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Joined: 10/30/2005
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We were in the Canadian Maritimes in June and had no problem with use of a credit card for purchases, campgrounds, etc. Check with your credit card company on transactions fees. We had 2 cards and found that one charged 1% and the other 3%. We haven't used traveler's checks for years.
Canadian cash works too.
2003 Winnebago Minnie 24F - Ford E-450
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vic46
Red Deer, Alberta, Canada
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Joined: 09/13/2007
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If you are going to use Traveler's Cheques remember that you will need appropriate I/D including photo. A passport and drivers license would probably be the best. I would also suggest that you cash you T/C's at a bank rather than in a store, etc. You will likely get a better shake on the fees and the bank staff will know what a T/C is whereas store staff may not have any idea. T/C's have mostly disappeared with credit and debit cards. I have used my debit card all over the US,Mexico and of course Canada with absolutely no hassle.
Vic
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Sea Dog
Ontario Can.
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Joined: 04/15/2001
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We always take American Express travelers checks.
Only use a credit card for gas.
My wife wants to know what we are spending instead of getting a big bill a month later.
We have never had a problem getting them cashed at Walmart.
As I am over sixty-five, we pay no purchase fees and of course there are no fees to cash.
I do not trust credit cards on a long trip.
My friend had his canceled for some reason in Italy, far from funny!.
Life is short,Death is long,
Take a vacation.
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Karic
Victoria BC, Canada
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Joined: 08/08/2003
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We've been travelling throughout North America and Hawaii for years and gave up TC's long ago.......more hassle than they're worth. Not a bad idea to let your card company know you're going away though........VISA actually called us the first time we went to Hawaii to check if it was actually us using the card.
I don't know of any Canadian business that will turn you away for having cash (US or CDN), credit cards or debit cards in your wallet..........just keep a record of the card numbers and corporate/bank contacts should you lose one.
Have a safe and happy trip. You'll see some incredibly beautiful scenery on your way to Alaska.
'03 F350 SD XLT Supercab Dually, V10, Auto, 3.73
'02 Adventurer 90RDS
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D&E Johnson
Ontario Canada/Brenda Arizona
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stop using travelers checks years ago. Always had a hassle trying to use them. Even the Canadian Tire store in Vernon BC didn't want to take them. In Costa Rica a few years ago, eveb our 4 star hotel would not cash them and merchants would not take them, they said it took way too long for them to get their money. Just use debit or credit card. I always call our bank before we head out, and tell them where, and when we are going, and for how long. We go thru 8 states to get to Arizona, then make a few stops in Calif and Nevada during the winter, never a problem with the debit or credit card..Dona
Dona and Elvin
2004 6.0l F350 turbo-diesel/4x4/crew cab/shortbed-wedgewood blue)
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Retired early and ready to see North America!
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GSF
full-timing in North America
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Joined: 06/04/2004
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The last time we tried to use Traveler's Checks was 30 years ago. No one would take them. We ended up having to go with my mother to her bank to cash them all in. Never used them since.
George
97 Airstream Land Yacht
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Bea PA
Waynesboro, PA, USA
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We no longer use TCks, too much hassle. I just returned from 2 months in Canada, used my ATM and a credit card that charged 1%. The only credit card that few take is Discover.
Bea PA
2004 Winnebago Journey
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Sea Dog
Ontario Can.
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Now that is strange!
We have used, as recently as a couple of weeks ago, travelers checks throughout North America for the past forty years.
Seldom have to show ID such as drivers license.
We get them in hundred dollar and fifty dollar denominations.
Use the fifties for making small puchases in smaller stores.
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