Credit cards are a good way to make purchases, but it's recommended you use your debit card when making ATM withdrawals. Cash-advance fees and interest can add up and give you a nasty surprise when you arrive home.

The most efficient and widely accepted way to pay for goods and services in Canada is via contactless credit or debit cards. Canada has a highly advanced payment infrastructure where "tap-to-pay" is the standard at almost every establishment, from high-end retailers to small coffee shops and public transit. Major networks like Visa, Mastercard, and American Express are universally accepted. For the best experience, use a card with no foreign transaction fees to avoid the typical 3% surcharge. Mobile wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay are also ubiquitous. While plastic is king, it is wise to carry a small amount of Canadian Dollars (CAD) for remote areas, small farmers' markets, or tipping. Avoid using U.S. Dollars directly; while some border businesses accept them, they often apply a very poor exchange rate. Using a travel-focused card like Wise or Revolut can also help you secure the mid-market exchange rate when withdrawing cash from local ATMs.