How to use ATMs in the US to withdraw Canadian dollars

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You might wonder if you can get canadian dollars from an atm in the US. Most atms in the US only give out US dollars, so you cannot get canadian dollars directly from an atm here. If you need canadian dollars, you will need to look for other options. Do not worry. You have some good ways to exchange money before your trip, and you can find places that offer better rates than an atm.

Key Takeaways

• US ATMs only dispense US dollars; you cannot get Canadian dollars directly from them.
• Banks and credit unions offer the best exchange rates and lower fees for Canadian dollars.
• Avoid airport kiosks and tourist spots because they charge high fees and offer poor rates.
• Compare exchange rates online and plan ahead to find the cheapest way to get Canadian dollars.
• Order Canadian dollars before your trip to save money and avoid last-minute stress.

Can You Get Canadian Dollars from US ATMs?

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ATM Currency Options

When you walk up to an ATM in the US, you might hope to get canadian dollars for your trip. Most ATMs here only give you US dollars. You will not see canadian dollars as a choice on the screen. The ATM will not let you pick between different currencies. If you want to get canadian dollars, you need to look at other currency exchange options.

Tip: Always check the ATM screen before you start your transaction. If you do not see canadian dollars as an option, you will only get US dollars.

Some people think they can get canadian dollars from an ATM if they use a card from a Canadian bank or a Hong Kong bank. This does not work in the US. The ATM will still only give you US dollars. You can use your card to take out money, but you will get US dollars every time.

Here is a quick look at what you can expect from ATMs in the US:

Why Only US Dollars Are Dispensed

You may wonder why you cannot get canadian dollars from an ATM in the US. The answer is simple. US ATMs are set up to give out only US dollars. Banks fill their machines with US bills. They do not stock other currencies. This makes it easy for banks to manage cash and keep ATM transaction costs low.

If you try to get canadian dollars from an ATM, you will not find that option. The ATM network in the US does not support foreign currency. Even if you use a card from a foreign bank, the ATM will still give you US dollars. You will need to use other currency exchange options to get canadian dollars.

Note: ATM transaction costs can add up if you use your card often. You might pay a fee to your bank and another fee to the ATM owner. These fees do not give you canadian dollars, so you may want to save your ATM use for when you really need cash.

If you want to get canadian dollars, you should look for other ways. Try banks, credit unions, or special currency exchange options. These places can help you get canadian dollars before your trip. You will also avoid extra ATM transaction costs.

Best Place to Exchange Currency in the US

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When you want to get Canadian dollars before your trip, you might wonder about the best place to exchange currency. You have a few good options in the US. Some places offer better rates and lower fees than others. Let’s look at the best places to buy foreign currency and what you should avoid.

Banks and Credit Unions

Banks and credit unions are often the best places to buy foreign currency. You can visit big banks like Bank of America, TD Bank, or Wells Fargo. Many local banks and credit unions also offer currency exchange services. You can order Canadian dollars in advance and pick them up at your branch. This gives you time to compare rates and avoid last-minute stress.

Here are some reasons to choose banks and credit unions:

• You usually get better exchange rates than at airports or tourist spots.
• Fees are lower, so you keep more of your money.
• You can order foreign currency ahead of time and pick it up when it’s ready.

Tip: Some banks may not offer all types of foreign currency. Call ahead to check if they have Canadian dollars available.

Post Offices and Border Crossings

Post offices and border crossings can also help you get foreign currency. Some post offices offer currency exchange services, but not all locations do. Border crossings between the US and Canada often have currency exchange counters. These spots can be handy if you are driving to Canada and need cash right before you cross.

You should know that airports and tourist areas are not the best place to exchange currency. Here’s why:

• Airport and tourist area kiosks often charge higher fees.
• Exchange rates at these places are usually worse than at banks or credit unions.
• They know travelers have fewer choices, so they set higher prices.

If you want the best deal, plan ahead and use banks or credit unions. These are the best places to buy foreign currency in the US. You will save money and avoid high fees by skipping airport kiosks and tourist exchange counters.

Cheapest Way to Get Canadian Dollars

Compare Exchange Rates

If you want the cheapest way to get canadian dollars, you need to pay close attention to exchange rates. Not all places offer the same rates, so you should always compare before you buy. Start by checking rates at banks, credit unions, and online services. Many websites let you see live exchange rates, so you can spot the best exchange rate for your money.

Here is a simple list to help you get started:

1. Check exchange rates at several banks and money exchange services.
2. Use online tools to compare rates and find the lowest currency exchange fees.
3. Track exchange rates for a few weeks if you have time. This helps you buy when rates are better.
4. Look for online services like Wise. Wise uses the real mid-market exchange rate and shows you all fees up front. This makes it easier to see what you will really pay.

You can see how Wise compares to traditional banks in the table below:

Wise often gives you lower fees and better exchange rates than most banks. You can hold and exchange money in different currencies, which helps you save more.

Avoid High-Fee Locations

You should avoid places that charge high fees or offer poor exchange rates. Airport kiosks, hotel desks, and tourist exchange counters usually have the worst rates. These spots know travelers need cash fast, so they add extra fees and mark up the rates.

Here are some common mistakes to watch out for:

Tip: Always use authorized banks or trusted online services for exchanging money. This helps you avoid scams and keeps your money safe.

If you plan ahead and compare exchange rates, you will find the cheapest way to get canadian dollars. Avoid high-fee locations and always check for hidden charges. This way, you keep more of your money for your trip.

How to Exchange Foreign Currency Before Travel

Order Online or In Person

You have two main ways to exchange foreign currency before your trip. You can order online or visit a bank in person. Many banks and currency exchange services let you order foreign currency through their websites. This is easy and saves you time. You just pick the amount you need, pay with your credit or debit card, and choose your delivery option. Some services offer home delivery, while others let you pick up your cash at a local branch.

Here is a quick look at how online orders work:

If you prefer, you can visit your bank or a currency exchange location in person. Some banks need you to order ahead, so call first. Specialized currency exchange services often have longer hours and more locations than banks. Planning ahead helps you avoid high fees at airports or tourist spots.

Prepare Cash for Your Trip

You should always prepare some cash before you travel. Travel experts suggest bringing about $100 CAD for a short trip to Canada. This amount covers tips and small purchases. Tipping in local currency is polite and saves others from paying extra fees to convert your money. Credit cards work almost everywhere, so you do not need to carry a lot of cash.

Here are some tips to help you get ready:

• Exchange foreign currency at your bank before you leave. This helps you avoid poor rates at airports.
• Carry smaller bills. They are easier to use and safer to carry.
• Split your cash into different places, like a wallet and a money belt.
• Use credit cards for most purchases. They are safer if lost or stolen.

If you wait until you arrive in Canada, you might face bad exchange rates or extra fees. Currency rates can change quickly, so planning ahead protects your money. Ordering foreign currency before your trip gives you peace of mind and saves you from last-minute stress.

Tip: Always compare rates and check for hidden fees when you exchange foreign currency. Planning ahead means you get better rates and avoid surprises.

You cannot get canadian dollars from an atm in the US, so you need to plan ahead. The best way is to use your bank, credit union, or a trusted online service like Xchange of America. These options offer better rates and lower fees than airport kiosks. Always check rates on platforms like Wise or TradingView before you exchange. If you want to save money, avoid last-minute exchanges and compare your options. With a little planning, you can get canadian dollars easily and travel with confidence.

FAQ

Can you use a Hong Kong bank card at US ATMs to get Canadian dollars?

No, you cannot get Canadian dollars from US ATMs, even with a Hong Kong bank card. US ATMs only give you US dollars. You need to use a bank or currency exchange service to get Canadian dollars.

How much does it cost to exchange US dollars for Canadian dollars at a bank?

Banks usually charge a small fee, around $5 to $10 USD per transaction. The exchange rate may also include a small markup. Always check the current USD to CAD exchange rate before you exchange money.

Is it better to exchange money in the US or in Canada?

You often get better rates and lower fees if you exchange money at a US bank before your trip. Airport kiosks and tourist spots in both countries usually have higher fees. Plan ahead to save money.

How long does it take to order Canadian dollars from a US bank?

Most banks need two to five business days to get Canadian dollars for you. Some banks offer faster service for an extra fee. Call your bank to ask about delivery times and pick-up options.

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