USD money is commonly used in both countries. When American or Canadian people travel back and forth across the border, they will need to exchange their money to purchase goods or services in each country. There are places inside of Canada where visitors can exchange American dollars for Canadian currencies.

While many businesses in Canadian border towns and major tourist hubs like Toronto or Niagara Falls may accept U.S. dollars as a courtesy, it is highly recommended to convert your money to Canadian dollars (CAD) for your 2026 trip. If a merchant does accept USD, they will typically apply a very poor exchange rate—often 1:1—meaning you could lose significantly on every transaction compared to the official rate (which is approximately 1.36 CAD per 1.00 USD as of late February 2026). Furthermore, any change you receive will almost certainly be in Canadian currency. The most efficient and "pro" way to handle money in Canada is to use a credit card with no foreign transaction fees, as Canada is a largely "tap-and-go" society. If you need physical cash for smaller vendors or parking, withdrawing CAD directly from a local bank ATM using your debit card usually provides a much better rate than a currency exchange kiosk. Carrying local currency ensures you are charged the correct price and helps avoid the logistical "headache" of fluctuating informal exchange rates.