Canadian Currency/Tipping

I thought this was an interesting article about using US Currency in Canada.

Victoria is a touristy-friendly city and is very close to the USA. Because American tourists make up the majority of the tourists in Victoria, I feel that this is a valuable point to mention. While you can pay for things initially with US dollars, you will always be given your change back in Canadian dollars/coins.

Right now because the exchange rate is so close, a lot of businesses are taking US dollars at par. As a result, you lose more money by paying with US dollars than if you were to use your credit card, debit card, or Canadian cash. This is because the US dollar is a foreign currency in Canada and it is not considered legal tender.

American tourists are the only people that use American dollars in Canada, for example. Businesses that accept US dollars do so as a courtesy, not because it's mandatory. It is certainly not law to accept foreign currency. Also worth knowing is that American coins are taken at par in Canada (they're the same denominations - pennies, nickels, dimes, quarters, although we also have a dollar and 2 dollar coin in Canada). So while $1.00 dollar bill US should theoretically purchase $1.06 Canadian, four US quarters will only ever be $1.00 Canadian, regardless of the exchange rate.

The easiest way to obtain Canadian dollars is to simply withdraw money from a bank machine. This goes for all international visitors. Your bank does the exchange rate automatically and will then give you Canadian dollars. Bank machines generally dispense $20 bills, and sometimes $10, $50, or $100 denominations.

Even if you don't intend to spend with cash, it's handy having some Canadian coins and dollars because things like parking meters, bus fare boxes, vending machines, and automated ticket machines will only accept Canadian coins/dollars in their slots. And please, refrain from calling US dollars "real dollars" or "real money" and Canadian dollars "funny money" or "monopoly money" because it's a sign of disrespect and arrogance, whether intended or not.

Elaine's comment: If you have some Canadian coins in your piggy bank, pull them out, they might be useful when we are in Victoria.  Our plan is to use our credit card for most everything, so at this point, we don't plan on bringing Canadian dollars with us.

Source:  http://www.virtualtourist.com/travel/North_America/Canada/Province_of_British_Columbia/Victoria-903124/Local_Customs-Victoria-CurrencyTipping-BR-1.html#ixzz1tSa7FuR8

Gratuities and the Onboard Account

Some more answers to questions some of us have had. These questions and answers reflect what we will find on the Rhapsody.

Slightly contrary to the Beaudoin's experience on two previous cruises, Royal Caribbean states that "Gratuities are voluntary and at the discretion of each guest."

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Q:  What are the gratuity guidelines for cruises?

A:  Our suggested gratuity guidelines take in account our crew members that work hard to provide and maintain the highest level of service while sailing the high seas. Whether working behind the scenes or serving your evening meal, our staff and crew make sure you enjoy every moment spent onboard a Royal Caribbean cruise ship.

The daily amounts below have been calculated with this in mind. For new bookings that set sail on or after July 1, 2011, the suggested gratuities are:

Waiter:	$3.75 USD	a day per guest
Assistant Waiter:	$2.15 USD	a day per guest
Head Waiter:	$.75 USD	a day per guest
Stateroom Attendant/ Other Housekeeping Services:	$5.00 USD	a day per guest
Suite Attendant/ Other Housekeeping Services:	$7.25 USD	a day per guest

Gratuities are voluntary and at the discretion of each guest. These guidelines serve as suggestions to help guest express their gratitude for the outstanding service they experience on their Royal Caribbean cruise vacation.

Note: These gratuities apply to guests of all ages. Gratuities for other service personnel are at your discretion. A 15% gratuity will automatically be added to any purchases in the bar, dining room, spa services and salon services. Notice to guests: Gratuities may be shared with other crew members depending on the particular service requirement.

Envelopes for gratuities will be provided in your stateroom on the last night of the cruise. Gratuities may be paid in the following ways:

	Pre-paid by having them added to your reservation by your booking agent.
	Added to your onboard SeaPass account.
	Paid in cash at the end of the cruise

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Q:	What is an Onboard Expense Account? How does it work?
A:	An Onboard Expense Account is the cashless system used for all onboard purchases and services. The account may be set-up with either a credit card or as a cash account.  You may establish a master account and add guests from your stateroom or another stateroom as authorized purchasers on your account. For each purchase made onboard the ship you will receive a receipt at the point of sale.  A final statement will be delivered to your stateroom on the last night of your cruise vacation for your review. Guests that set up an account with a credit card should verify the statement.  If all purchases are correct, they will automatically be billed to the credit card. Guests on a cash account will need to settle their statement onboard prior to disembarking.  The ship will provide you with specific details.