Currency Information...

The currency of Canada is the Canadian Dollar.
It has been rising steadily since mid 2003 & has ranged between 72 & 76 cents US in early 2004 so far. It is predicted to break the 80 cent US mark sometime in 2004, maybe.

Most purchases in BC are subject to a 7% Sales Tax and 7.5% GST (Goods and Services Tax). This effectively means a 14.5% tax. As a non-Canadian visitor, however, you are eligible for a GST rebate on some items.

U.S. currency is widely accepted anywhere in Canada with no trouble. You are much better off changing your money at a bank.

Travelers Cheques are also widely accepted and you can use them in most stores and restaurants as if they were cash, without paying any commission. This makes them a good choice. Credit Cards are widely accepted (Visa is the best). There are also lots of ATM machines around.

Banks are usually open 9AM to 5 PM Monday to Thursday. Some open until 6 PM on Friday and most are open either in the mornings or all day on Saturdays. You will not find an open bank on a Sunday.

Follow the links for currency converters:
- The Universal currency converter
- Currency Calculator
- Royal Bank of Canada Converter
- Bank of Canada
 

Information and bill samples extracted from http://www.vancouver.hm/money.html