Money & Currency Tips
Canadian dollar, tipping, contactless payment, and money-saving tips.
Currency: Canadian Dollar (CAD)
Not USD. Not pounds. Canadian dollars only.
Check live rates before you travel — don't rely on old blog posts. Exchange rates change daily. As a rough guideline: CAD $1 ≈ USD $0.73 (USD, EUR, or GBP users: your home currency is stronger).
Tipping in Vancouver
15–20% at restaurants. It's expected and standard.
- Restaurants / bars: 15–20%
- Taxi / Uber: 15% (optional but appreciated)
- Hotel housekeeping: CAD $2–5 per night
- No tipping at fast food or coffee shops (unless you want to)
How to Pay
Contactless tap payment is universal and preferred over cash.
- Visa / Mastercard: Accepted everywhere
- Amex: Sometimes not accepted at smaller places
- Apple Pay / Google Pay: Works at most merchants
- Cash: Still works, but many places prefer card
Best Ways to Get Canadian Dollars
- 1. Wise Card: Get one before you travel. Mid-market rates, no hidden fees. Best option for international travelers.
- 2. ATM in Canada: Use ATMs from major banks (RBC, TD, BMO). Avoid airport ATMs if possible (worse rates).
- 3. Bank exchange: Your home bank or a local Canadian bank. Rates are fair, no airport mark-up.
- Avoid: Currency exchange kiosks at tourist areas (terrible rates, 2–3% mark-up).
Cost of Living Reality Check
| Coffee (specialty) |
CAD $5–7 |
| Beer at a bar |
CAD $8–12 |
| Meal (mid-range restaurant) |
CAD $20–35 |
| SkyTrain single fare |
CAD $3.35–4.65 |
| Taxi from BC Place to downtown |
CAD $15–20 |
| Hotel room (budget) |
CAD $120–180/night |
| Hotel room (mid-range) |
CAD $200–350/night |
Pro Tip: Budget for Match Days
On match days, expect higher prices at bars/restaurants near BC Place (20–30% premium). Pre-match meals in quieter neighborhoods are better value. Plan ahead and eat before the crowds arrive.
Money-Saving Tactics
Use SkyTrain instead of taxis (always cheaper, no surge pricing). Eat at Granville Island Market or Chinatown (local food, fair prices). Skip overpriced tourist restaurants. Buy groceries at Save-on-Foods for snacks instead of stadium vendors.
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