For those that have experience with Canadian clubs, do you recommend converting money to Canadian dollars or just using US dollars? The only time in the past I was in Canada I used US dollars and they were accepted with no problem. However, that time I was just across the border in Niagara Falls. This time I will be in Montreal. Advice?
Also, in last minute intel on clubs?
Have gone to Toronto (actually Mississauga) strip clubs for 20 years and in Hamilton and Niagara Falls, plus enjoy other adult activities without the legal issues in the US. Of course, you should change your $US to $CDN or you will pay about 25% more since usually just take at par. Currently, $CDN100 is about $US75.00 so we get about a 25% discount if we get $CZDN. I use a debit card at ATMs. Avoid the money changers at the airport or banks that will do large markup fees on the exchange. You should get very close to the official exchange rate at most Bank's ATMs but they may vary slightly.
In Quebec they simply take Monopoly Money and write “thees ees eh canadien dollaar” on it in sharpie. Try that and report back on how well it works. You’re welcome.
I always use US currency in Tijuana, but I'll be making a trip to Montreal at the end of April and plan to take Canadian currency with me. Last week I stopped at my local bank (Suntrust) to inquire about their process. They charge a flat conversion fee of $10 for any amount I want to exchange, and asked that I give them three or four days' advance notice. Seemed reasonable and convenient to me. And worth it not to use US dollars because of the current rate of exchange and the fact that, as davephx pointed out, with US dollars "you will pay about 25% more since they usually just take it at par."
In my limited experience several years ago, the downtown Montreal clubs were relatively low mileage. However, escorting is legal there, and they'll come right to your hotel. I spent about an hour last week browsing the online escort directories, and the choices looked amazing. "Hmm, maybe I'll take one of those, and one of those, and OMG, that one for sure..." The listings in the directories usually spell out the girls' services quite explicitly (the services can vary a lot), and many list their hourly rates -- some in Canadian dollars and in US dollars. Others say "Contact for rates." Most of the rates listed looked quite reasonable, and some were less for an hour than what you'd pay for a 30-minute VIP at Follies. Have fun!
When I travel internationally I never convert currency in advance. I just use an ATM when I get there to get local currency. Banks obviously get very favorable exchange rates because he they are buying and selling millions at a time, and generally pass that along to their customers, at least mine does.
Some places actually prefer US dollars, even if it’s not the local currency. But if Canadian clubs take them at par with Canadian dollars, no way. I don’t remember Sundowner doing that when I was there a few years ago.
If you're flying in, would have cash on hand at the airport and do it there. No guarantee the banks will be open when you need them. The hotel I stayed at had a $60 limit on currency exchange, so I ended up spending US dollars. Prices were still lower, so it wasn't highway robbery compared to what you'll pay in the US.
Use Canadian dollars in strip clubs. Use local ATM. Very reasonable conversion cost.
Either get it in advance from an American bank or get it from an ATM in Canada. Factoring in fees, you won't get the official exchange rate, but it will be within a couple cents of the official exchange rate as long as you are pulling out hundreds or a thousand CAD.
Exchanging currency at the airport is a bad idea. They will take 7-10%. Private businesses may accept dollars, but they can choose at what rate they will exchange at. For example, they might only give you 1.2 CAD per 1 USD, so they are making 10% on you. They will do it if it is profitable to them.
Other than getting cash for strip clubs and hookers, just use a credit card with no foreign exchange fee. It will give you almost the exact current exchange rate.
Strip clubs on the island of Montreal are not high mileage. You are better off with the escort scene or the massage scene if you want your money to go far. Strip clubs in Canada are closing even quicker than US clubs because prostitution is legal there. At one time, there were over 80 strip clubs on the island of Montreal. Now, less than 20.
I do the local ATM to local currency thing in CA all the time. I've never had an issue using USD in clubs, but its usually an even exchange. Even if you get raked on conversion, you still come out ahead. I do usually bring some USD with me, every now and again they'll be a girl who likes USD.
I would definitely change into CAD. The dance rates are all based in Canadian and with the favorable exchange, you’ll save money in the long run
Yes on the exchange as I have been in a few clubs that wont even take the US currency. The times I go I am usually making a stop at a Casino which gives a good rate taking about 6 cents.
I have no experience with the strip clubs, but, having been in Canada numerous times, change your money at your own bank, those Canadians seem so nice and polite, they will rape you on the exchange rate, every chance they get, from restaurants, to convenience stores to Tim Horton's that seems to be their national sport even more popular than hockey.