Travellers chqs + Canada

surfergirl_3

Hi Folks

Son is going to Canada soon, he has purchased some Canadian dollars and has got his Nationwide Debit card.

Couple of questions, on reading previous threads the advice seems to be purchase Canadian dollar trav/chqs because they can be used just like notes in shops etc. Sorry if this is a stupid question but how does that work, i thought the idea of chqs was that your money was safe because you could only exchange them if you produced your passport and they could be replaced if you lost them?

Also he has only just got his N/ wide card does he have to advise them of his trip to Canada so that he can withdraw from ATM while over there, sorry only just thought about this?

Cheers Surfergirl

BLUroma

Hello, I'm Canadian...where in Canada is he going? Travelling with travellers cheques is a good idea for a young guy. If he hasn't been there before it would be a safe option. The one problem with travellers cheques is he will have to carry his passport with him when he wants to cash one in at a shop. Not all shops will take them either (small shops). Most people we know take some t/cheques & some cash or a lot even just travel with their charge or bank cards and a bit of cash. To make sure they don't have too many cheques left over at the end of their trip. Make sure you won't get charged for turning them back into GBP when he gets back. When my son came from Canada he had some t/cheques and some cash, it seemed to work for him. To use his bank card there it will have to be Cirus or Visa cash card definitely with a 'PIN' to use it at an ATM or in a shop. Some shops might want to see his passport when he uses his bank card in a shop just as extra security. He will have to tell Nationwide he's travelling to Canada and for how long. He won't want to have them stop his use of the card off because they might think it was stolen. Not a good thing to happen! Hopefully that'll help. If you have any other questions about Canada...ask! I'll check your thread again later this weekend. HAPPY TRAVELLING TO YOUR SON...OH CANADA!!! ~ BLUroma

dzug

If he's willing to pay a 5% premium to buy the TCs (and thus gain their security) and another 5% or more to cash any surplus ones back when he gets home then yes.

Otherwise just use the Nationwide card.

He doesn't have to inform Nationwide but it's a wise precaution.

surfergirl_3

Hi,

he is going to Toronto, was a little worried about him having to carry his passport with him when out and about if he wanted to use the cheques, so think it better to take some cash, then use his card.

Thanks to both of you,for your advice. Will make sure he calls Nationwide this week to inform them.

Cheers Surfergirl.

ps. any other info gladly accepted

simongregson

Cards are accepted just about everywhere in toronto, and if not, just take cash out an ATM. Don't bother with travellers cheques. Just take the nationwide card + preferably 1 other for backup in case it gets eaten by a machine.