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2014
12
February
Where's the best place to exchange money in Toronto for Euros, Czech korunas, Japanese yens, and American dollars?

Question:

Profile picture of Noha

Noha

I got one of these flight deals to Milan, Prague and Tokyo and now I need Euros, Czech korunas, Japanese yens and American dollars. Do you know where the best place to exchange some money is in Toronto? In the past, I've gone through my bank. Any other suggestions for better rates?
Also, I usually take a bit of cash but mainly like to use visa when abroad. Any other suggestions to handling money while traveling?

Humans say...

Profile picture of Elle

Elle

ATMs at the airport of arrival is always the best rate

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Gwen

Very few places take debit or credit in japan, except maybe international hotel chains. Take cash!

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Nati

I agree with Elle!! EVERY country has ATMs & most outside of the US don't charge withdrawal fees. Figure out how much you need (over estimate a bit) & pull it out at once. You can exchange any leftover money at the airport of the next country. Most Canadian banks charge a standard fee but WAY better than carrying around different currencies.
Enjoy your trip!!

Profile picture of Rob

Rob

In the past, I've used calforex or Guardian International Currency in downtown Toronto.

Profile picture of Noha

Noha

Elle Natalia Champagnie, I'm going to try the ATM at the airport for this trip. I am going to be a little nervous going without cash but I prefer that to carrying all the different currencies everywhere i go!

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Rob

Hey Noha I just got back from Tokyo 2 months ago. You may want to bring some yen at least. Not all ATMs in Tokyo accept international ATM cards. Look for a post-office ATM or a seven-11 atm.

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Kaylee

calforex on Queen West has very competitive rates

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Noha

Rob, thanks for the tip! this is why i love this group

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Natasha

If you're w/ TD, there's a foreign exchange branch on King St.

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Asad

Noha, go to the Atrium on Bay to Interchange which is next to Ontario Travels and Tours. Best rates guaranteed, very close to spot rates.

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David

Your best bet is the downtown location of your bank. Most likely to have the currency in stock or can get it quickly, and better rates than Forex shops. Also, I'd highly recommend the Amazon.ca Visa which doesn't have foreign currency transaction fees.

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Marcel

The Milan Prague deal was the best thing ever, I did mine to Hong Kong and just returned last week. Enjoy your trip!

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Ted

At Spadina and Dundas are two exchange places (easy to find) for Asian, US & Euro $. I used them for the last 5 years. Always great rates

Profile picture of Ted

Ted

At T.O. Leather at 116 Spadina between Richmond and Adelaide you can get a fantastic "money belt" which is undetectable and not expensive at all, and pouches too

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Laura

We just pulled cash out if the ATM like we would if we were at home. Easy peasy

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John

Agree with Guardian on Yonge Street. Their rates are incredible.

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Natasha

Could only get money out from Citibank ATMs in Tokyo. Travel w/ cash as much as you can there (or find all the Citibank locations in advance). Never had any problems using credit cards there though.

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Morag

The ATM's in the 7/11s work in Japan as well.

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Judi

Untrue about Japan. We just returned and had no problems using our debit card to withdraw cash or credit card for purchases.

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Jason

calforex on Queen is where I went for mine, great rates and you just pay a $3.50 fee.

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William

Us dollars excepted everywhete

Profile picture of Ashley

Ashley

-Absolutely- true about Japan. Local banks will not let you withdraw on a foreign card. Has to be Citibank, 7-11 ATM or JP Post ATMs. Some stores will let you charge (big ones like Uniqlo for example) but not all. Bring yen with you.

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Lee

Yen/ euros just hit multi years high. Great time to get some!

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Mohammad

I just returned from the trip (Milan > Prague > Hong Kong) on Friday, my friends and I visited 11 countries in Europe and Sought East Asia (one month long trip)
We took Euro and USD cash with us, in Europe we used Euro and in Asia we exchanged USD to the local currency,
Please note in Czech there are many exchange offices but they charge an unbelievable commission fee of %22 to %27 on exchange, some store has a No Fee sign but similar percentage is included in their rate. The banks also charge a fee for exchanging money too.
I just withdrew from Bank ATMs using my TD All Inclusive Account Debit Card and that gave me the best rate.
TD All Inclusive Account has no foreign ATM Access Fee, so you only pay TD exchange rate if you withdraw from a foreign bank ATM with Visa Plus sign.

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Runjun

canadian capital - got to call ahead - 33 city centre mississauga might not be convenient however does not hurt to pull some prices to compare

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Noha

Mohammad Thanks for the tip! I should call my bank and see if I can switch my account to something more convenient

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Ngoc

I currently in Tokyo and am having trouble withdrawing money from an ATM. Have tried ones at banks, convenience stores including 7-11. Even called my bank to make sure there's no lock on my account. I have TD all inclusive account. Did anyone else have this problem? I only have 2000 yen left... Recommendations?

Profile picture of Jonas

Jonas

Citibank branches will take your debit card, but they're not as prevalent. ATMs at most (but not all) 7/11s will take foreign credit cards; VISA debit cards will be promptly spit out. The only others ones that will take a CDN issued debit card (with a VISA function) is the WAON ATMs (run by AEON) found in Mini-Stop convenience stores; added bonus with these ATMs is you can withdraw in smaller increments of 1,000yen (as opposed to just increments of 10,000yen) with Citibank or 7/11 ATMs. Only downside is Mini-Stop chains are not as common as 7/11 or FamilyMart.
As someone has mentioned, most big chains will take your debit card (with a credit card function) as a form of payment; smaller to medium stores become hit and miss.

Profile picture of Ngoc

Ngoc

Ya I think the issue is that I have that visa debit card. I'll have to find a woan atm tomorrow. I'm travelling alone so I'm getting a little stressed out about not being able to get money.

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Jonas

2000yen is plenty enough for food (surprisingly) for a big city like Tokyo. Whereabouts are you in Tokyo? I may be able to assist you in locating one (depending on the area).

Profile picture of Ngoc

Ngoc

I'm staying at nui hostel near kuramae station. I think the area is called taito? But I can take the subway to a different area tomorrow. I just didn't want to go far tonight since I'm not familiar with the city yet.

Profile picture of Jonas

Jonas

Closest one I know off hand in that area is near Inaricho Station on the Ginza line; it's north on Asakusa Dori and east of the main entrances to the station.

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Ngoc

Thanks!!! I'll try tomorrow.

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Jonas

Also as a helpful hint to anyone going to Japan, do yourself a favour; grab a reloadable card like Suica or Pasmo and use that for smaller purchases (for food and transportation). Japanese coins add up fairly quick; you will get stuck with 1 and 5 yen coins that you can't use in almost all vending and ticket machines.

Profile picture of Noha

Noha

Jonas tell me more about this card! Is this something I'd purchase upon arrival there?

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Ngoc

Jonas thank you so much for your help!! Finally got cash this morning after trying 7 more ATMs and 3 banks, one at a mini mart finally worked!

Profile picture of Ashley

Ashley

Noha, it's a train card that you can use to travel on most Japanese trains and can also make small purchases at some places. You can buy one from the "Midori-no-Madoguchi" in the lower level of Narita airport, or from any JR train station in Tokyo. Be advised that Tokyo cards won't necessarily work with the private railways elsewhere in Japan, like Osaka or Kyoto, but will almost always work on JR (Japan Railway) trains countrywide.


A.I. says...

AI Profile Pic

Where to Exchange Currency in Toronto

You've got a great flight deal to Milan, Prague, and Tokyo, but now you need to figure out how to get your hands on some euros, Czech korunas, Japanese yen, and American dollars. Here are a few options for exchanging currency in Toronto:

Banks

Banks are a convenient option for exchanging currency, but they typically offer the worst rates. If you're only exchanging a small amount of money, it might not be worth it to go through the hassle of finding a bank that offers a good rate. However, if you're exchanging a large amount of money, it's worth shopping around for the best rate.

Currency Exchange Bureaus

Currency exchange bureaus are another option for exchanging currency. They typically offer better rates than banks, but they may charge a fee for their services. It's important to compare the rates and fees of different currency exchange bureaus before you make a decision.

Online Currency Exchanges

Online currency exchanges are a convenient way to exchange currency without having to leave your home. They typically offer competitive rates, but they may charge a fee for their services. It's important to read the terms and conditions of any online currency exchange before you use their services.

Which Option Is Right for You?

The best way to exchange currency depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you're only exchanging a small amount of money, it might not be worth it to go through the hassle of finding a currency exchange bureau or online currency exchange. However, if you're exchanging a large amount of money, it's worth shopping around for the best rate.

Tips for Handling Money While Traveling

Here are a few tips for handling money while traveling:

  • Take a mix of cash and credit cards.
  • Notify your bank and credit card companies that you'll be traveling.
  • Keep your money and credit cards in a safe place.
  • Be aware of the exchange rates and fees associated with using your credit cards abroad.
  • Use ATMs to withdraw local currency.
  • Avoid carrying large amounts of cash.

By following these tips, you can help ensure that you have a safe and enjoyable trip.









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