Check your cards
Confirm foreign transaction fees, travel notices, PIN access, and emergency replacement support.
Travel money planning
Travel currency guides for travellers
Understand local currencies, compare payment choices, avoid preventable fees, and prepare a practical mix of cards and cash before your trip.
Build a safer travel-money plan
The advertised exchange rate is only one part of the cost. Compare the conversion rate, foreign transaction fee, ATM fee, cash-advance treatment, and any terminal surcharge.
Carry useful cash
Prepare a modest arrival amount for transport, tips, markets, and places where cards are not accepted.
Compare the full cost
Look beyond a headline rate and include provider fees before deciding where to exchange or withdraw.
Protect your backup
Keep a second payment method separate and enable transaction alerts before departure.
Popular destination currencies
Use these guides as a planning starting point. Exchange rates change throughout the day, so confirm the current rate and all fees with your provider.
| Destination | Code | Currency | Practical payment note | Guide |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | USD | US dollar | Cards are widely accepted. Keep some cash for tips, tolls, and small businesses. | Plan trip |
| United Kingdom | GBP | Pound sterling | Contactless payment is common. Confirm whether your card charges foreign transaction fees. | Plan trip |
| France, Italy, Spain and Greece | EUR | Euro | Use local currency at terminals and check ATM owner fees before withdrawing. | Plan trip |
| Japan | JPY | Japanese yen | Cards are common in cities, but cash remains useful for smaller businesses and rural travel. | Plan trip |
| Thailand | THB | Thai baht | Cash is useful for markets and local vendors. Review ATM fees before confirming a withdrawal. | Plan trip |
| India | INR | Indian rupee | Digital payments are widespread locally, while visitors should keep cards and modest cash available. | Plan trip |
| Australia | AUD | Australian dollar | Card and contactless payments are standard. Check surcharges shown before payment. | Plan trip |
| New Zealand | NZD | New Zealand dollar | Cards are widely accepted. Keep a backup method for rural areas and unattended terminals. | Plan trip |
| Brazil | BRL | Brazilian real | Cards and instant payments are common, but travellers should use secure ATMs and keep emergency cash. | Plan trip |
| South Africa | ZAR | South African rand | Cards are common in visitor areas. Use secure locations for withdrawals and review card controls. | Plan trip |
| Canada | CAD | Canadian dollar | Canadian cards and cash are accepted nationwide; remote stops may have limited payment access. | Plan trip |
Search topics covered: travel currency guides, currency exchange planning, foreign transaction fees, overseas card payments, ATM fees, and destination payment tips.
A simple three-part payment setup
A balanced plan reduces dependence on one card, one account, or one payment network.
- Primary card: Use a card with transparent foreign-use terms and purchase alerts.
- Backup method: Store a second card separately from your wallet.
- Local cash: Carry a reasonable amount for immediate and cash-only expenses.
Travel currency questions
Direct answers to common questions from Canadians planning international travel.
Should I exchange currency before travelling?
Carry a small arrival amount when cash is commonly needed, then compare bank, card, ATM, and exchange-office costs. The least expensive choice depends on fees and the rate offered.
Should I accept dynamic currency conversion at a payment terminal?
Dynamic currency conversion can include an added markup. Review both choices and normally compare the local-currency charge with your card issuer’s foreign transaction fee.
How much cash should I carry?
Carry enough for small purchases, transport, tips, or places that do not accept cards. Avoid carrying the full trip budget in cash, and store backup payment methods separately.
Are online exchange rates the final rate I will receive?
No. Reference rates do not include every bank, card, ATM, or exchange-provider fee. Confirm the complete amount before approving a transaction.
Continue building your trip
Compare destination guidance, flights, stays, transportation, tours, connectivity, and travel insurance in one planning journey.