Canada Fees Free ATMs???

pat_sexy

Hi,

Does anyone know the location of any fees free ATMs, or at least lowest charging ones, in Toronto?

Most of the main banks, CIBC, Bank of Montreal, seem to charge for each transaction.

I have a Nationwide bank card so luckily don't have to worry about fees from my home bank.

Thanks,

Pat

delorean_2

All the banks in Toronto charge for transactions. The UK doesn't know how lucky they have it. In Canada you pay per transaction on your account, like 25c or something.

Banking in Canada is absolutely horrendous, but at the same time thanks to the charges account holders have to pay it helps you curb your account useage which can be advantageous!

ailuro2

but to be fair most places will take cards- just swop some pounds for dollars before you go, for taxis and things, then use them up before you come home.

Have a great trip,btw.
Loved Toronto.

MegS

Before I went to Toronto I read that the ATMs at the airport don't take Visa cards (only Mastercard) and it seemed to be true as we couldn't find one so make sure you take at $70 in cash (preferably more for any other incidentals) to pay for the taxi, the fare from the airport into town is between $35-50 but remember tipping is all the rage - at least 10-15%. M&S had the best commission free exchange rate when we went. ATMs are easy enough to find but if you're down Yonge Street and can't find one the Eaton Centre has two right inside the front door (opposite the Hard Rock Cafe). Enjoy your trip.

pat_sexy

That's right Pearson Airport (Toronto International Airport)is a VISA-free zone for ATMs so you'll need a Mastercard. A nuisance for Nationwide card holders which is on the Visa network.

If travelling fairly light you could take the Airport Express (rather than a taxi) its runs every 30min or so and stops at the main hotels downtown. Costs about $25 return (not sure so check out its site).

Otherwise public transport stops less frequently is slow, but could get off at the first TTC stop (Underground/Metro) and reach downtown for $2-3.

Plenty of ATMs on Yonge street in the downtown.

So bring along at least $30 CDN and you should be alright.

Pat

MegS

I'll be honest, I have no desire to go back to Toronto, didn't really like it. It served its purpose, ie CN Tower and Niagara, but that's it. Still not sure if it's because I went to Vancouver first and was spoilt. Next trip to Canada will be Calgary hopefully next year.

zappahey

MegS wrote:

Next trip to Canada will be Calgary hopefully next year.

I didn't think Calgary itself had that much to offer, unless you catch the Stampede (which we did). It mostly served as a gateway to the rockies for us.

MegS

We have friends in Calgary so we would be staying a while with them then going for a trip round the Rockies then back to them for a few days before flying home. Would love to go to the Stampede (all those cowboys yummy lol) but DS is set on going to watch the Kipper play (hockey goalie for the Flames) so it may have to be a winter trip. Not that I mind I love hockey, can't wait to move out to Canada in four years time.

LondonCanuck

MegS wrote:

I'll be honest, I have no desire to go back to Toronto, didn't really like it. It served its purpose, ie CN Tower and Niagara, but that's it. Still not sure if it's because I went to Vancouver first and was spoilt. Next trip to Canada will be Calgary hopefully next year.

What were you expecting of Toronto? It's a wonderful city - you obviously don't know where to go and what to do. It's incredibly multicultural and dynamic but IMO, you need more than a weekend break to experience T.O. to the full.

Back on topic, depending on who you bank with, ask if there are any reciprocal agreements with any of the banks in Canada. For instance, Barclays partners with Scotiabank so there are no fees when withdrawing cash.

delorean wrote:

All the banks in Toronto charge for transactions. The UK doesn't know how lucky they have it. In Canada you pay per transaction on your account, like 25c or something.

Banking in Canada is absolutely horrendous, but at the same time thanks to the charges account holders have to pay it helps you curb your account useage which can be advantageous!

This is not true - Not all banks charge as there are agreements between some of the banks as mentioned above... Also, I have an account in Canada that is completely fees free so just like anywhere else, it pays to shop around for the best deal. Saying banking in horrendous is a bit OTT.

jassi_9

ive just come back from canada, and toronto is a dump......full of rude people

vancouver is 2nd or 3rd best place to live in the entire world, and when u visit the place, its easy to see why

canada has only one place to visit and its not toronto!!

as for the atm, if you have money in your account to withdraw, why not take it out from over here, and exchange it bit by bit, commision is hardly anything a few dollars, and if u have english pounds left over u can just convert it back when u return

delorean_2

LondonCanuck wrote:

This is not true - Not all banks charge as there are agreements between some of the banks as mentioned above... Also, I have an account in Canada that is completely fees free so just like anywhere else, it pays to shop around for the best deal. Saying banking in horrendous is a bit OTT.

I'm new to Toronto, plus I don't officially emigrate to Toronto until next weekend so forgive the innacuracies!

Which bank is best to go with then? Especially as for the first few months I will be making transfers between my UK bank and CA bank.

Maybe using the term "horrendous" was a bit extreme, but it's certainly no joyful experience compared to banking in other countries.