Use the credit card instead of cash wherever possible. Credit card issuers typically charge fees for international transactions and you may get the best exchange rate and fees lower than those associated with exchanging cash.

In 2026, Canada is a highly "cashless" society, and it is almost always better to prioritize using a card for your transactions. Major credit cards like Visa and Mastercard are accepted everywhere, from luxury hotels to small coffee shops and even street-side parking meters. Most terminals support "tap-to-pay" via cards or mobile wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay. However, carrying a small amount of Canadian cash (CAD) is recommended for "emergency" situations, small tips, or remote vendors at farmers' markets who might have technical issues. If you do use a card, always choose to be charged in the local currency (CAD) to get the best exchange rate from your bank. Be aware that Canada has effectively "phased out" the penny, so cash transactions are rounded to the nearest five cents, making card payments more precise and often more convenient for international visitors.