Is there an ATM or bank close by that we can get Canadian dollars.  By our agenda, it looks like we'll need at least $150 for all the meals, etc.  Want to use my credit card as they can worry about the exchange rate, etc.  Thanks.

Larry,

You should be able to get Canadian currency at your local bank.  Depending on the chain and size of the branch they may need a day or two to get it.

Really guys!!!   I go to my bank for us funds and they walk to the vault and get it, there is no waiting, we have used pin numbers on credit cards for years now so make sure you know yours, haven't signed a slip in years.  Do not just estimate cash for meals, you will run into the odd place that does not take cards, doesn't happen very often but there still are places.  The military artifact building we are going to might not take any plastic as it is run by local legion volunteers, I always have a minimum of 500 on me when I go south.

I saw a Canadian bill the other day.  It's a soft plastic with a clear panel in it to look thru.  It'll never wear out!

Really.  Not all U.S. banks have Canadian currency on hand.  Especially in small or rural communities where the major banks don't have a brick-n-mortar place.  

Called our bank yesterday (a national brand) and they don't have or will get Canadian dollars.  They said to get them at an airport, or near the border.

Guess we'll see when we get to N. Dakota. . .

wow thats crazy, well if nothing else we can do an exchange here for you guys

Have done that in the past, both in Canada and in Europe.  Just went to a bank the first day in the country and did a cash for cash exchange. Sometimes there was a fee charged, sometimes not.  Have also just gone to an ATM and done a cash advance on the credit card (haven't tried a debit card though).  There have been fees associated with that but just one time rather than on every transaction.

banks don't do anything for free anymore, if someone has not got their money when they get here, I will get money and will figure out the exchange rate and we will just swap oh and I won't even charge you a fee😉