Worlds is just two months away! (Travel Tips for U.S. Skating Fans?)

[kiss-n-cry]

It seems like just yesterday we were ordering tickets for 2013 Worlds and now we're just two months out from the event! I am getting excited, to say the least. Daisuke! Yuna! Yuzuru! Everyone!

I do have a question for any FSUers in Canada/the London area... I am traveling in from the U.S. and do not want to look like a jerk, so what is the best way to pay for necessary items (food, gas, etc.)? If it is frowned upon to pay with US dollars, then I will certainly do an exchange before going. I do not want to create a hassle. It has been years since I last traveled to Canada.

Also, is one route better than the other in regard to taking 401 or 403? This may be a silly question but it's always best to be prepared.

Thanks in advance for any responses...

[Sylvia]

Do you have access to the 2013 Worlds forum in Kiss and Cry?

[kiss-n-cry]

Sylvia, I do not have access. I am guessing that is where I should be hanging out, though.

[UMBS Go Blue]

Use local (Canadian) currency.

Use your ATM card to get cash; don't go to a currency changer because you'll get poorer exchange rates. If you have a Bank of America ATM card, you can get Canadian currency at Scotiabank ATMs (the big red "S" signs) without any ATM fees and at market, or close-to-market (read: best), exchange rates.

Between an ATM card to get cash and credit card to pay for just about anything, exactly like you would in the US, you should be fine. Same advice applies anywhere in the world these days, not just Canada.

Some places may take US cash, but these would probably more touristy places near the border. You will probably get socked with a surcharge anyway. Just have like C$20-100 in cash and coin for border crossing tolls (if any), parking meters, vending machines, and de minimis expenses, and pay the rest with credit card.

[manhn]

Most places will accept US money. Large businesses (like Tim Hortons) will actually post their exchange rate. Small businesses may be more 1 to 1, but considering that the loonie is essentially on par with the US Dollar, probably no big deal. Credit card would probably your best bet.

[kiss-n-cry]

Thanks for the tips! That is pretty much in line with what I thought would be best; I feel a bit more comfortable now.

[Vagabond]

Always ask if they speak English.
Even if they say they do speak English, speak slowly, in a loud voice, with plenty of hand gestures.
When someone tells you how much something costs, ask "How much is that in American?"
Don't drink the water.

[Alixana]

Re: 401 or 403 -- I see your location is WNY (?Western New York) so depends which border crossing you'll be using

[Alixana]

Always ask if they speak English.
Even if they say they do speak English, speak slowly, in a loud voice, with plenty of hand gestures.
When someone tells you how much something costs, ask "How much is that in American?"
Don't drink the water.

And since knowing how to ask "where is the washroom" is essential in any country, in Canadian we say "where is the ladies' washroom"?

[Carolla5501]

Contact your bank before you go to Canada. Let them know you will be using your debit and/or credit cards. That way they won't automatically "stop" the transaction.

[kiss-n-cry]

Got a subscription! Now I can access the thread I started. Woohoo!

Yes, I will be calling the bank to make sure I can use my card (and see what kind of fees I'll get hit with).

[4rkidz]

Always ask if they speak English.
Even if they say they do speak English, speak slowly, in a loud voice, with plenty of hand gestures.
When someone tells you how much something costs, ask "How much is that in American?"
Don't drink the water.

excellent advice.. I'm really excited to see people from all over the world for this event.. I'm starting to get excited..

[Parsley Sage]

If you are crossing at Buffalo or Niagara Falls, take the QEW heading towards Toronto. In Burlington, you will get on the 403 WEST towards Hamilton/Brantford. The 403 turns into the 401 just before Woodstock and that will take you right to London.

[Habs]

Most places will accept US money.

Some will, but it can be a hassle. Best bet is to carry Canadian cash and use credit cards.

[JasperBoy]

Don't forget your debit card. I think that many Canadians just carry a minimum of cash and use debit for most purchases. Even Timmy's takes debit!
'

[luckiest1]

My daughter works for Tourism London and says they've been getting calls and emails from all over the world about everything from tickets to restaurants to accomodations to do with these World Championships. I told her to refer people to FSU but she just laughed. Thankfully she's a former figure skater and is quite knowledgeable on the subject.

[CoyoteChris]

Hummm...good thread....gotta warn my credit card company, see how much surcharge they charge, and see how much my debit card bank charges....
I was talking with David Dash of Dash tours at Friends of Fig. Skating breakfast at US nats and he said there may be a way to get back a bit of the hotel taxes
by filling out a form at the border and having your receipts with you....gotta check into that....also gotta check into any regs about bringing in packaged food through
customs...dont see that would be a problem but it never hurts to ask....

[CoyoteChris]

Good call...you are correct for me but maybe others will find other means....
Here is what I just found out.
1. My debit card may be used in Canada without penalty FROM MY BANK. The exchange rate is figured in. My bank said to make sure that the Canadian Merchant wouldnt be adding on any fees.
2. My credit card company WILL be adding on a three percent "out of country" fee if I chose to use that. Guess which card I will use to pay my motel room with?
3. My bank will "sell" me Canadian Currancy at the exchange rate for free if given two weeks notice to procure it.....
Chris going Looney

Don't forget your debit card. I think that many Canadians just carry a minimum of cash and use debit for most purchases. Even Timmy's takes debit!
'

[peibeck]

www.londontourism.ca has listings of restaurants, shops, museums, maps, etc. that may interest fans. I ordered a visitors guide in mid-fall and got it rather quickly.

I am arriving in London (flight permitting) on the 8th, so I'll have time to actually sight-see this trip. The area by the arena apparently has quite a few restaurants and bars besides the Covent Garden Market. http://www.coventmarket.com/

[sk8er1964]

I was talking with David Dash of Dash tours at Friends of Fig. Skating breakfast at US nats and he said there may be a way to get back a bit of the hotel taxes by filling out a form at the border and having your receipts with you....gotta check into that....

They did away with that a few years ago. I want to say around 2008.

also gotta check into any regs about bringing in packaged food through customs...dont see that would be a problem but it never hurts to ask....

As long as it is sealed in its original package, you shouldn't have a problem. IME, you can bring fruit into Canada (at least Customs has never asked us about it - and we usually pull a camper when we go so it would be a good assumption that we have some), but not back into the US - even if it was originally purchased in the US. There's some caveats on that, but we've found it's just better to be safe than sorry and ditch all the fruit/veggies in Canada before coming back over the border.