When you barely cross the border into Canada, Americans are tempted to hang onto their own money. Most places in Canada will take U.S. money, especially in the days where the Canadian dollar was lower in value.
If you are one to jump into carrying Canadian money when you travel in Canada, you definitely should know that the $20 and $50 bills have changed significantly.
Americans might already think Canadian money looks weird, but these changes take the bills into a new dimension. Now that Canadian money is more valuable, these bills are much more difficult to copy. You can sort of see through to the other side of the bills, and they have hidden holograms.
The new $1 coin is a little bit different, which is a problem that some machines are having trouble taking the new dollar coin. The coin still has a loon and the Queen, but looks smaller and less golden.
Even as the country is phasing out the penny, you still see them. The difference is that you might get a nickel back instead of 3ยข or not get the 1-2 pennies as totals are rounded down. Credit card and debit card totals still go down to the penny.
Even if I am traveling to Windsor, I enjoy using Canadian money. Think I get treated better and I never have to worry about the exchange rate.
I strongly encourage visitors to Canada to exchange money; using $1 and $2 coins are quite fun. And you get a bit more of a Canadian experience in Canada.
All the pictures are mine. Thanks to the people behind the hands that made it easier to take the pictures.
The $100 bills have also been changed to the same style as the $50 & $20 bills. Though being a higher denomination, you're less likely to come across them.
Posted by: SelahBeth | November 15, 2012 at 06:33 PM
Truer words have never been spoken. I have never seen a $100 bill in person. I only saw the $50 because someone had it out at the bar. The $20 bills I withdrew on the trip were old ones, so I'll have those for awhile. Thanks for the update.
Posted by: Chad | November 15, 2012 at 10:39 PM