Whether you are visiting Canada’s vibrant cities or you’re planning to explore its breathtaking natural wonders, having easy access to your funds is key to unlocking the full Canadian experience. From the historic streets of Old Montreal to modern malls, there’s plenty to do and buy, but the last thing you need is to run out of cash!
At Crown Currency Exchange, we know that you want to enjoy your holiday without having to worry about your finances. That’s why we’ve put together this ultimate guide to using ATMs in Canada. Here, you’ll learn more about the fees and charges associated with withdrawing cash using your Australian cards, along with some super helpful money-saving tips.
Just as you would when using an ATM back home, there are some safety and security guidelines you should follow when you’re withdrawing cash in Canada. Here are some of our top tips!
Before inserting your card into the cash machine, take a moment to inspect the card reader and keypad for any signs or tampering or for any strange-looking devices attached, as skimming devices are often placed on ATMs to steal card information. Should anything seem off or look suspicious, do not use that ATM and report it to the bank or private operator immediately.
Once you’ve inspected the ATM and feel confident that it’s safe to use, make sure you cover the keypad (or screen if it’s a touchscreen ATM) when entering your PIN to prevent anyone from seeing or recording it. Make sure that you have your PIN memorised as well, rather than having it written down somewhere, as this can be very easy for someone to steal.
Make sure you remain aware of your surroundings while you’re using the ATM and remain cautious of anyone standing too close or watching you. Don’t be scared to ask for space if you feel uncomfortable, and if you’re in any doubt, cancel your transaction and find another ATM to use. It’s important to remove any personal distractions, too, such as talking on the phone or wearing headphones, as this makes you a much easier target for theft or scams.
Whether you’re using mobile banking or an ATM with internet connectivity, make sure you’re using a secure network from a trusted Wifi provider or your cellular data connection. Do not connect to public or unsecured Wifi networks when conducting sensitive transactions, and as always, ensure you remain vigilant about your surroundings at all times.
In the days following your transaction, keep a close eye on your account for any unauthorised or suspicious activity. If you see anything you don’t recognise, report it to your bank or credit card provider immediately, who will have their own processes in place to investigate and, if appropriate, reimburse you.
To make the most of your trip to Canada, and to keep things as stress-free as possible, it’s essential to do some planning before you leave. This doesn’t have to be overly difficult, though, and with these top tips, you can get organised and start looking forward to your well-earned holiday.
Before you do anything else, ensure you have the necessary travel documents needed to visit Canada from Australia. Presently, Australian citizens are required to hold an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) if travelling by air but not if arriving in Canada by land or sea (driving to Canada from the United States, for example).
You’ll also need to hold a valid Australian passport with at least six months left on it before the expiry date.
Canada experiences distinct seasons, each offering a unique travel experience. So, consider the time of year you want to visit Canada and what activities you want to enjoy while in the country. For instance, if you’re planning to do a lot of hiking, it would be better to visit in summer. Or, if you want to admire the beauty of the maple trees and other fall foliage turning bright red, it would be best to visit in the autumn months.
It’s also a good idea to create a rough itinerary for your trip, including all of the places you want to visit, activities you want to do, and the places you’ll be staying. When doing this, keep in mind the travel time between destinations and any national holidays taking place that could potentially disrupt your ideal plans.
Canada can be a relatively expensive destination, so it’s important to create a budget before your trip. Research the price of accommodation, transport, food, and activities in advance and keep an eye out for any deals, discounts, and free attractions that can help you save money and make the most of your budget.
You can never tell what might happen when you’re on holiday, so it’s also incredibly important to stay prepared for any eventuality. Make sure you have the number for the Australian Embassy in Canada saved to your phone, and take out a travel insurance policy ahead of your trip. This will protect you from any loss of money caused by cancelled travel, lost luggage, and medical emergencies.
While you can use ATMs in Canada using an Australian credit or debit card, you will be charged for doing so. It’s also important to remember that you’ll be charged per transaction, so the more times you visit an ATM or use your card to pay for goods and services, the more fees you’ll incur.
As such, it’s best to create a budget, allowing for an extra 10%-20% for emergencies, and take cash with you rather than relying on cards and ATMs. At Crown Currency Exchange, you’ll find the best rates on AUD to CAD with no commission fees or hidden costs. Visit one of our many locations today to speak with our expert team, and let us get you on the road to your Canadian adventure.