Money in Canada

Currency in Canada

Canada uses the Canadian Dollar (CAD, C$). The CAD fluctuates against USD, EUR, GBP and other currencies — check current rates before travel. ATMs offer the best exchange rates; avoid airport currency exchange counters (Travelex, ICE), which charge substantial commissions. Canadian banknotes are polymer (plastic, like Australia's) — waterproof and colourful: $5 (blue), $10 (purple, Viola Desmond), $20 (green, Queen/King), $50 (red), $100 (brown). Canada eliminated the penny in 2013 — cash transactions are rounded to the nearest 5 cents.

ATM Availability

ATMs are ubiquitous across Canada — at banks (RBC, TD, Scotiabank, BMO, CIBC — the "Big Five"), convenience stores, gas stations, shopping malls and airports. Most bank ATMs charge a per-transaction fee for non-customers, and standalone ATMs typically charge more — check the on-screen notice before confirming. Visa, Mastercard, Plus, Cirrus and Interac networks are supported. Always decline Dynamic Currency Conversion. In remote areas (northern Canada, small towns), ATMs may be limited — withdraw before heading into the wilderness. Your home bank may add its own international withdrawal fee on top; check before travel.

Card Acceptance

Canada is very card-friendly — contactless payment (tap) is the standard method. Visa and Mastercard are accepted virtually everywhere. Apple Pay, Google Pay and Samsung Pay work at most terminals. The Interac network (Canadian debit) is universal domestically but not compatible with most international debit cards — your Visa/Mastercard debit works fine. Credit cards are preferred for car rentals and hotel deposits. Cash is useful for small-town businesses, farmers' markets, food trucks, some taxis, and tipping in cash (always appreciated). Carry some cash as backup.

Tipping Customs

Tipping in Canada follows the same system as the United States — it is expected, not optional. Standard rates: restaurants 15–20% of the pre-tax bill; taxis around 15%; hair salons and food delivery 15–20%; a smaller amount per drink at bars, per night for hotel housekeeping, and per bag for porters. Canadian servers earn at least the standard minimum wage, unlike some US states where tipped-worker base pay can sit well below it, but tipping remains strongly expected regardless. Calculate tips on the pre-tax subtotal — Canadian bills show the subtotal, GST/HST/PST taxes and total separately. Many restaurants now present tap-to-pay terminals with pre-set percentage tip options — choose your amount or select "custom." Not tipping or under-tipping is considered very rude.