Currency & Exchange

The currency system in Canada uses dollars and cents. It is always best to change your money at a recognized financial institution, bank, trust company or currency exchange. Stores, hotels and restaurants will also exchange currency but the rate will not be as good as a financial institution. And always convert some of your money prior to leaving home. You may also use your bank debit card to make withdrawals at the majority of automatic teller machines (ATMs) located in banks and public places across Canada. Travellers' cheques are also accepted in most department stores and hotels. Credit cards such as Visa, MasterCard and America Express are honoured almost everywhere.

Canada now has one- and two-dollar coins, affectionately called the "loonie" and the "toonie", in addition to 1 cent, 5 cent, and 25 cent coins. The paper money comes in different colours and designs. The most common are $5 bills (blue), $10 bills (purple), $20 bills (green), $50 bills (red), and $100 bills (brown). You may still see some old red $2 bills, which remain valid currency.