I'm heading north of the border soon (Niagara Falls, Toronto). The exchange rate of US to Canadian dollars is pretty much even right now.
Have any of you guys found that the girls in Canada prefer US Dollars over Canadian? Or does it really matter?
A friend from Buffalo once told me "No one works harder for the American dollar than a Canadian stripper." Is that still true?
Keep in mind that, while most Americans still seem to think the Canuck buck is worth significantly less, the exchange rates regularly make the evening news up here. If you're hoping the dancers will be impressed that you're paying in US dollars or will give you any exchange bonus, you will probably be disappointed. I agree with Art that they'll probably accept US dollars near the border, but they'll take them at par and won't thank you for the trip to their bank.
I have heard you can go to casinos to exchange your money and get a better exchange than most other late night places. Also check to see if escorts are legal in Toronto/Niagra falls. I know they are legal in windsor. The movie Chloe was about an escort who was hired by a wife to see if her husband would cheat on her and that took place in Toronto that gave the impression that escorts were legal there as well.
Beware of using a debit card over the border. Bank of America charges an international transaction fee for using a card in Canada.
I visited the "duty free" shop at the border to swap US for Canadian. Spent all Canadian (the last $20 and change went for gas) so didn't have to even worry swapping again upon leaving.
You'll find it advantageous to quote Detroit prices in Toronto to bring the gals' asking prices down. Otherwise, prepare to part with a large amount of loot.
If the exchange rate favors the USD, it is best to exchange at a U.S. bank or at the duty free before entering Canada. Dancers will take the USD at par and still want a tip. A Detroit bank teller, moonlighting as a stripper, let me know that she didn't like the idea of exchanging money so I could give it to someone other than her. I didn't know that she recognized me. I fumbled an answer about Cuban cigars and left quickly.
The exchange rate may-be better, but in Niagra falls, Ont. they price things high, for example a t-shirt still cost 20 American and souvenirs priced higher than average, even sale items are pricey.
They prefer Euros
"Have any of you guys found that the girls in Canada prefer US Dollars over Canadian? Or does it really matter?"
It really doesn't matter. You will almost never get any kind of exchange rate from a dancer at a strip club though. Private businesses don't have to give any exchange rate by law.
"I have heard you can go to casinos to exchange your money and get a better exchange than most other late night places."
Yea, and you can get Canadian money for little to no fee at Canadian ATMs...just be sure to check on your bank's policies before your trip though.
"Dancers will take the USD at par and still want a tip."
Actually, I've only come across a Canadian dancer that demanded a tip on a very, very rare occasion.
I've also never seen a store quote prices in American Dollars. Canada is a foreign country after all.
In Niagara Falls the girls are so accustomed to USD that you will probably have no trouble spending them. Toronto should be similar although USD are less common there. Money talks in Canadian SCs just as in US SCs. For high mileage go straight to Toronto, the suburban clubs - Mississauga, Brampton, Vaughan.