Canadian Change

AOX81 · #1 05-24-2002, 09:56 AM

I was counting a huge container of change this morning and I thought about this:

Growing up in Michigan it was perfectly acceptable to use Canadian change for pretty much everything except vending machines.

I was in Kansas a couple years ago and I was at McDonald's paying for my food. There happened to be a Canadian dime in my wallet that I pulled out and the worker at McDonald's just stared at it. She turned to her co-worker and asked her if the US issued new dimes

Anyway, I was just wondering if there were any other US states out there where it is acceptable to use Canadian change. I'm talking about the smaller denominations, penny, nickel, dime, quarter.

Also, to all you Canadians out there is using US coins a big problem? I know when I visit all my relatives I usually don't have a problem.

Have a great day

RACooper · #2 05-24-2002, 10:03 AM

Nope, I have never had a problem with American change. Of course it might have something to do with the fact the US has a stronger dollar, and eventually all the dimes and quarters add up

#3 05-24-2002, 10:07 AM

It's not usually a problem in Wisconsin, although there was a big fuss some years back about using Canadian quarters in vending machines. I don't think anything ever came of it though.

Sisterplum · #4 05-24-2002, 11:42 AM

I never had problems using US change in Canada...in fact whenever I was working and I got US change, I'd always switch it with my own Canadian change...and start up a bank for my next trip to the States!

CutiePie2000 · #5 05-24-2002, 12:06 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by AOX81
Anyway, I was just wondering if there were any other US states out there where it is acceptable to use Canadian change. I'm talking about the smaller denominations, penny, nickel, dime, quarter.

Also, to all you Canadians out there is using US coins a big problem? I know when I visit all my relatives I usually don't have a problem.

Using US coins in Canada is not a problem at ALL.....people don't miss a beat. The only thing where US coins might not work is in coin operated machines (like pay phones)...not sure if the "weight" of the coins is off by a microgram or anything.
But humans accept them readily.

I think in the "olden days", you could use Canadian coins at American towns that are close to the border, like Bellingham, WA. Not sure anymore. Also, to encourage the Canadians to shop in the US, Bellis Fair Mall in Bellingham, WA would have a promo on, where the Canadian dollar was accepted "at par" with the US dollar. Not so anymore...boo hoo!

Siobhan · #6 05-24-2002, 12:23 PM

No problems using US coins in Canada, but I usually save them (except pennies) for trips to the US. I haven't been to Washington in a while, but you used to be able to use Canadian coins down there no problem. You can pay with US bills up here, but then the whole exchange rate has to be worked out.

lifesaver · #7 05-24-2002, 01:42 PM

This country shares a border with 2 countries not just 1 thank you very much, and I dont see the US census predicting people of canadian descent becoming the largest ethnic group in the us in the next 40 years, so get on the band wagon please.

Since the topic was brought up...

Its really acceptable to use dollars in Mexico. I never exchange whn I go across.

In places like Laredo or el paso some stores accept pesos.

You occasionally find some centavos in with your pennies, and most everybody used to just toss em' because they werent worth anything, bu8t over the last 3 years or so the peso has been the most stable in its history, trading at about 9:1. I can remember when it was 200:1, now its worth holding on to.

RedAngel · #8 05-25-2002, 09:22 AM

I don't have a problem with Canadian coins either. I use them for everything just like the American coins. I very seldom have Canadian dollars unless I'm up visiting friends up in Montreal.

AGDLynn · #9 05-25-2002, 09:30 AM

I'll find out next week!! Hubby wants to give the new U.S. gold coin when paying for stuff!

Lil_G · #10 05-25-2002, 10:00 AM

It's never a problem giving u.s. money, be sure to receive fair exchange in return!

Find out what the banks are offering and demand something within 5% points of a return back. If the retailer will not give you a fair exchange, give can. money instead.

Thrillhouse · #11 05-25-2002, 10:19 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Lil_G
It's never a problem giving u.s. money, be sure to receive fair exchange in return!

Find out what the banks are offering and demand something within 5% points of a return back. If the retailer will not give you a fair exchange, give can. money instead.

Just a side note...Lil g likes the Toronto maple leafs

Lil_G · #12 05-25-2002, 12:50 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Ex greek

Just a side note...Lil g likes the Toronto maple leafs

and you like 14 yr. old boys. we'll say it's a draw.

gphi2k2 · #13 05-25-2002, 02:08 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by CutiePie2000

The only thing where US coins might not work is in coin operated machines (like pay phones)...

Actuallly, the weird thing is that you CAN use u.s. quarters in pay phones in canada. But if you try to put a canadian quarter in a u.s. payphone, it won't work. It's weird.

You can use u.s. change anywhere here. Really, it's all the same anyways. you can't exchange coin at a bank. If you have 30 dollars worth of u.s. coins, it won't matter to any bank teller here. they won't take it.

Kevin · #14 05-25-2002, 05:24 PM

In Oklahoma apparently (I work retail) we're supposed to be ever vigilante for individuals trying to pass off Candadian money.

Especially traveler's checks.

They send out reminder memo's every once in awhile.

Thrillhouse · #15 05-26-2002, 12:12 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Lil_G

and you like 14 yr. old boys. we'll say it's a draw.

How many times do I have to tell you.... quit using my name in describing your problems. You know there are self help classes for your situation.