Check out the restrictions in Toronto!
Sep 23, 2001 | 9:34 pm
#16
In Memoriam: Original Member
Join Date: May 1998
Location: LGB/LAX
Programs: UA 1K, SPG Plat
Posts: 1,853
I went through security and customs at YYZ this morning without a hitch. I got through with things in both my checked and carry on bag that maybe I shouldn't have brought with me. Also, my shoes with the metal eyelets did not set off the alarm.
I didn't realize that once you go through security and immigration, you can't find any place to exchange your money. No signs in the lobby of terminal 3 to tell you where anything is. So I got ripped off at EWR exchanging the money. Oh well, next year I will know better.
I didn't realize that once you go through security and immigration, you can't find any place to exchange your money. No signs in the lobby of terminal 3 to tell you where anything is. So I got ripped off at EWR exchanging the money. Oh well, next year I will know better.
Sep 23, 2001 | 11:50 pm
#17
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: here and there...
Posts: 4,360
newself,
you will pretty much always get ripped off when exchanging money at any airport, anywhere.
Since you are 'in' the US after clearing INS screening at Canadian airports, full banking services are not available. And, so you know, full postal services are not available either.
you will pretty much always get ripped off when exchanging money at any airport, anywhere.
Since you are 'in' the US after clearing INS screening at Canadian airports, full banking services are not available. And, so you know, full postal services are not available either.
Sep 24, 2001 | 6:13 pm
#18
In Memoriam: Original Member
Join Date: May 1998
Location: LGB/LAX
Programs: UA 1K, SPG Plat
Posts: 1,853
Thanks makin'miles. Since this was my first international trip I have learned a few things. I should have taken a later bus from the hotel to the airport and could have exchanged the money at the hotel and not pay a commission. Oh well, I had fun in YYZ!
Sep 27, 2001 | 11:25 pm
#19
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: here and there...
Posts: 4,360
newself: changing money at a hotel is also a really bad deal. While there may be no 'commision' a fee is built into a really crappy exchange rate.
If you need cash, get it at your bank before you leave home. Otherwise, paying for things with a credit card will usually get you a good exchange rate (and miles!). Plus, its safer than carrying cash. Withdrawing cash from a bank machine (with a debit card) will also get you a good rate, but there may be a service fee. Getting a cash advance on your credit card also gets you a good rate, but if you don't pay it off right away, the interest is a killer (ditto with purchases).
If you need cash, get it at your bank before you leave home. Otherwise, paying for things with a credit card will usually get you a good exchange rate (and miles!). Plus, its safer than carrying cash. Withdrawing cash from a bank machine (with a debit card) will also get you a good rate, but there may be a service fee. Getting a cash advance on your credit card also gets you a good rate, but if you don't pay it off right away, the interest is a killer (ditto with purchases).
Sep 28, 2001 | 1:34 am
#20
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: bay area, ca
Programs: UA plat, , aa plat, marriott LT titanium
Posts: 4,973
Uhh... also changing money at a bank in the US gives you a REALLY terrible international rate - plus you usually can't just walk in and do it (eg they have to order the currency)
The cheapest (?best) way is to just get cash out of an ATM as soon as you get into the country - many airports have them right there. As for exchanging money back that's harder because you lose the "commission" both ways (in some places as high as 5% each way if you exchange the wrong way).....but I digress.
For places I visit often I always keep some currency so the next time I go I don't have to worry about converting money as my first task.
The cheapest (?best) way is to just get cash out of an ATM as soon as you get into the country - many airports have them right there. As for exchanging money back that's harder because you lose the "commission" both ways (in some places as high as 5% each way if you exchange the wrong way).....but I digress.
For places I visit often I always keep some currency so the next time I go I don't have to worry about converting money as my first task.
Sep 28, 2001 | 9:32 pm
#21
In Memoriam: Original Member
Join Date: May 1998
Location: LGB/LAX
Programs: UA 1K, SPG Plat
Posts: 1,853
Thanks for the advise! I thought about keeping about $20CND for the next trip but just exchanged (ripped off) it at EWR. Does anyone need a bunch of Canadian change?