Watch the surcharges. I actually read one of the fine print sheets Visa
included in my bill. They just added an exchange transaction fee and a
decrease (a % or so, I don't remember) in the exchange rate. In total, not
much for a weekend in Canada, but watch out on longer, more expensive trips.
-----Original Message-----
From: Jack Brooks <brooks@belcotech.com>
To: Triumph List <Triumphs@autox.team.net>
Date: Tuesday, March 30, 1999 11:56 AM
Subject: Canada currency exchange
>
>Listers,
>
>Having just returned from a long (very inexpensive) weekend in Canada, I
>heartily recommend charging onto your credit card versus paying in US
>dollars, at least for the big items. Most local establishments use
>significantly less advantageous exchange rates than Visa or MasterCard.
The
>current exchange rate is great for us heading north, but don't throw away
>some of your savings to unscrupulous vendors.
>
>The rate is currently about $1.52 USD to $1 Can. Most local (non-bank)
>establishments gave 40% or $1.40 USD, one was as low as $1.20 to one. We
>used less than $50 in cash, so it wasn't a big deal, but I saw someone peel
>off more than a few hundred dollars, at a rate of $1.40.
>
>BTW - All charge cards charge you a small transaction fee (1% or so or a
>fixed fee) to convert the foreign currency to US dollars. I believe Diners
>Club charges the least, but check with your various cards to see how they
>charge you for the exchanges.
>
>Jack (wishing he could do the Nova Scotia tour after VTR) Brooks
>TS69032L
>Hillsdale, NJ
>My car show: http://pages.hotbot.com/family/triumph
>
>
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