Is US currency used commonly in Toronto?
- Thread starter kmLover
- Start date
I think I can help with your understanding process of Canadians, as I think you are misunderstood...likely because you've only lived here for 5 years. Though I know that you have done business here for 15 years prior, I don't think we would argue that someone who grew up here or lived here for 20+ years and considered Canada "their country" would be more credible in understanding the Canadian psyche. And no doubt, there are some on this thread that are speaking from this perspective. To assume otherwise would be foolish. So while I can't expect you to react or have any opinions from outside your frame of reference, it is those assumptions that you made AND are defending, that Canadians find so "typcially American".MLAM said:
Here's why your comments can be considered "typically American" or otherwise known as " fucking arrogant, ignorant douche bag-asshole" Note how I'm not saying you are any of these things but cleverly said only your comments can be considered these things :
In answering kmLover's question and responding to other posters comments, your position is clearly based on your experience of Canadians ("most gladly take US dollars"). But see, even while others have expressed opinions and experiences to the contrary, you continue to take an aggressive position. But that in itself is not damning. Your 3 points/arguments/reasons above seal the deal.
Kbear's point is valid...currently there is very little value to accepting US dollars at par. And you even agree the exchange rate is incremental. So then what is your point 1) exactly? That a while ago it was different and that it may change...so Canadians should accept US$ now at par banking on future growth? That's BIG assumption.
Yes, absolutely, a lot of Canadians do stockpile US$ for future visits. This is probably your strongest point. But to say that "most Canadians gladly take US dollars" based on this point is a weak argument.
Your point 3) is pretty vague. Just because we're on an SP-related board and an SP responded yes...that means "most Canadians gladly take US dollars"? That's a BIG assumption.
You also say that "people love our money". Clearly, others have a different point of view. Actually the US$ is NOT a safe currency investment. The Euro has proven it's weakness. Weak because the rate is low and it is unstable. Travel to Germany, Italy, France and Spain (I have...this year and last) and you will find the mighty US$ shunned. Couple that with many Canadians feeling the same and you have a large population of the world and half the G8 countries as examples to argue your point. The thing is, this has been the case for a long time now...long enough and with enough examples to the contrary at least, that the statement "people love our money" is quite uninformed.
Bottom line...
Statements and comments that continually and aggressively push weak arguments, unnecessary assumptions and being uninformed are indicative of arrogance and ignorance. Typical American, eh?
It also doesn't help that the subject of Americans using US$ in Canada is so polarizing.And for the record, I tend to agree with the majority here. US$ is commonly used in Toronto but not to the degree that I would recommend one could get away exclusively with US$. It is in kmLover's best interest and worth his while to make some exchange.
From a practicality view point, I would think a credit/debit card and the ATM is best option, regardless of exchange rate and the associated fees. Just about every place takes credit or debit cards. That way you don't have to carry a lot of cash (US or Cdn) and getting cash is as simple as finding an ATM which are open 24X7. There's nothing worse than having a long line of people behind you while the cashier fumbles around with exchange.kmLover said:
Also, (same as in the US) remember that the private ATM machines charge a lot more for fees than an ATM machine from actual bank or credit union. Bank ATMs are easy to find and are usually within the same shopping plaza/ complex
None of the comments made have been "Anti American". It's more about respecting others. In some parts of the world you're better off using US currency with a "merchant" because the offical exchange rate at a bank is no where near as good as the "street" rate.MLAM said:
Yes this subject has touched a nerve.
Currency is a projection of Sovereignty and in some cases superiority.
For those of you who have lived here all your life, and or are aware of recent history, Canada was primarily a rural and underdeveloped country. Ontario Hydro was formed to promote the use of electric power in the provience which was becoming industrialized becuase of WWII. If you go to the Ex and wonder why there is a building devoted to Electricy it's was originally built to showcase the latest in washing machines, stoves, vacumes, etc... to the Canadian consumer who just a decade ago didn't have electric power let alone running water. My how times have changed.
And we were well aware of our economic power when compared to the US. So it did give some people a kind of complex at the same time many American's were developing this sense of World Power without the good sense of keeping it low key.
There was a time in the 70's when the Canadian Dollar was trading at $1.10 US, went as low as $0.69 and is now trading at about $0.95. Given possible future events with global climate changes, shortage of resources, political instability in the US, etc. Those days when an Canuck Buck was worth more than an Greenback, may come again.
Currency is a projection of Sovereignty and in some cases superiority.
For those of you who have lived here all your life, and or are aware of recent history, Canada was primarily a rural and underdeveloped country. Ontario Hydro was formed to promote the use of electric power in the provience which was becoming industrialized becuase of WWII. If you go to the Ex and wonder why there is a building devoted to Electricy it's was originally built to showcase the latest in washing machines, stoves, vacumes, etc... to the Canadian consumer who just a decade ago didn't have electric power let alone running water. My how times have changed.
And we were well aware of our economic power when compared to the US. So it did give some people a kind of complex at the same time many American's were developing this sense of World Power without the good sense of keeping it low key.
There was a time in the 70's when the Canadian Dollar was trading at $1.10 US, went as low as $0.69 and is now trading at about $0.95. Given possible future events with global climate changes, shortage of resources, political instability in the US, etc. Those days when an Canuck Buck was worth more than an Greenback, may come again.
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Actually with the exchange rate being negligible, I have no interest in having a whole bunch of boring green pieces of paper. Get some Canadian money and add some colour to your life.MLAM said:
Not desiring to have American money does not make one "Anti American"
Some Americans are just Waaaayyyy too sensitive.
Wanting to chop your head off simply because you are American - now that's Anti- American. Prefering the local currency because you are in Rome - that's just the way it is.
If you come to Canada and give attitude, you're going to get attitude.
Canadians are just as patriotic as Americans, maybe even more so. We're just a little quieter about it. I think the problem with a few Americans is that they think they are head and shoulders superior to the rest of the world. It's simply not the case and when they get reminded of that, they scream "Anti American"
Sometimes I think what blows Americans away is that Canada is more like the US than not, however, we don't desire to be you or join you. We're pretty happy and PROUD of what we've accomplished on our own.
Ironically, I have often thought that if the US had never invaded Canada in 1812 (and 6 other times) that we'd never have developed the sense of nationality that we have now.
Thanks guys for creating a nation.
And you didn't even have to rebuild us either....
Some Americans are just Waaaayyyy too sensitive.
Wanting to chop your head off simply because you are American - now that's Anti- American. Prefering the local currency because you are in Rome - that's just the way it is.
If you come to Canada and give attitude, you're going to get attitude.
Canadians are just as patriotic as Americans, maybe even more so. We're just a little quieter about it. I think the problem with a few Americans is that they think they are head and shoulders superior to the rest of the world. It's simply not the case and when they get reminded of that, they scream "Anti American"
Sometimes I think what blows Americans away is that Canada is more like the US than not, however, we don't desire to be you or join you. We're pretty happy and PROUD of what we've accomplished on our own.
Ironically, I have often thought that if the US had never invaded Canada in 1812 (and 6 other times) that we'd never have developed the sense of nationality that we have now.
Thanks guys for creating a nation.
And you didn't even have to rebuild us either....
I would like to think that tourists from the US, or anywhere, would be treated well during their stay here in Canada. If the US tourist arrives here, and ASKS if he can make a purchase in US dollars, because he has just arrived, then I would expect there would be no problem, enjoy you stay.
However, if the US tourist comes with the attitude that he will be paying in US dollars, and it is somehow the merchant’s lucky day, because he knows that we love the US dollars, the vision of children in some third world backwash hoping for some handouts comes to mind, than there could be a problem, maybe even some anti-American comments.
However the comments are not really anti-American, but are directed towards the individual, who happens to be American.
I hope KmLover enjoys his stay.
However, if the US tourist comes with the attitude that he will be paying in US dollars, and it is somehow the merchant’s lucky day, because he knows that we love the US dollars, the vision of children in some third world backwash hoping for some handouts comes to mind, than there could be a problem, maybe even some anti-American comments.
However the comments are not really anti-American, but are directed towards the individual, who happens to be American.
I hope KmLover enjoys his stay.
There is an anti-American sentiment among many Canadians, my sister-in-law gets a whiff of it almost every time she comes here. She's the nicest person, never voted Republican and is more progressive in her thinking than most people here.
Yet when they hear her Texan drawl, some feel free to make comments on their perceived notion of her politics. The Ugly Canadian is out there.
Yet when they hear her Texan drawl, some feel free to make comments on their perceived notion of her politics. The Ugly Canadian is out there.
SLK55amg - very succinct.
Would have replied similarly ... but I try not to bite when I'm being baited.
Would have replied similarly ... but I try not to bite when I'm being baited.
I think its time for North America to follow the European's lead and switch to one currency for the whole continent. Europe has the Euro. In North America We can have the "AMERIGO". No more worries about Canadian vs American vending machines, or disfavorable exchange rates or NAFTA. The denominations can be referred to as A1 A5 A10 A20 A100 etc...
I'd be curious as to who whould put down a visitor from the States. I certainly wouldn't as they our are cousins and you just don't put down "family". I'd like to think that the "Ugly Canadian" is just some ignorant asswhole who likes to share their opnion with everyone. I for one would like to appoligize to your sister-in-law, such behaviour is uncalled for.trisket said:
But I guess I'm from the old school that remembers when we didn't have a Canadian flag as we do now, when the Union Jack flew outside our schools along with the Canadian ensign and you sang God Save the Queen.
And for a bit of history, there was a time here that the biggest celebration of the year was the 4th of July because of all of the settlers who had come north to help open up Upper Canada.
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There absolutely is...
I have shared before the time my (soon 2bx) CANADIAN wife was driving one of the cars we own with U.S. plates, and parked to have lunch with a GF. Lunch ran long, she forgot to keep track of time, so when she comes out a cop is writing her a parking ticket. As she is standing there to receive same ticket a woman walks by, makes a remark about "you deserve it, you Americans think you own everything". As though Canadians never get parking tickets.
Up until that point my (soon 2bx) wife had thought I had made up (or exaggerated) all the stories of how people would flip me the bird when they saw me driving, or leave nasty notes on my (same) parked car. She came home that day and just shook her head and asked "is that what you've been living with for the last 3 years?"
Yup.
I've had people upon learning I was born in the U.S. tell "jokes" and make remarks that NOBODY in their right mind would make about minorities, but felt it was fair game to use the term "American" versus say "Black". I've had people who I did not know beyond their name (having just met me) ask personal questions about my politics and religion. I have experienced prejudice here that I NEVER saw in the U.S. as a Black man...professionally and personally.
The kicker though was when the CBC decided to celebrate the 5th anniversary of 9/11 by having a young woman come on and basically mock the event and those who lost their lives.
There absolutely is, and it is very real. Which is why I told the poster what I did...the facts (US currency is used commonly in Toronto) and the reality (be careful, because it will mark you as an American, and heaven knows what will happen after that).
Everything else was just commentary....on both sides.
...no doubt.trisket said:
I have shared before the time my (soon 2bx) CANADIAN wife was driving one of the cars we own with U.S. plates, and parked to have lunch with a GF. Lunch ran long, she forgot to keep track of time, so when she comes out a cop is writing her a parking ticket. As she is standing there to receive same ticket a woman walks by, makes a remark about "you deserve it, you Americans think you own everything". As though Canadians never get parking tickets.
Up until that point my (soon 2bx) wife had thought I had made up (or exaggerated) all the stories of how people would flip me the bird when they saw me driving, or leave nasty notes on my (same) parked car. She came home that day and just shook her head and asked "is that what you've been living with for the last 3 years?"
Yup.
I've had people upon learning I was born in the U.S. tell "jokes" and make remarks that NOBODY in their right mind would make about minorities, but felt it was fair game to use the term "American" versus say "Black". I've had people who I did not know beyond their name (having just met me) ask personal questions about my politics and religion. I have experienced prejudice here that I NEVER saw in the U.S. as a Black man...professionally and personally.
The kicker though was when the CBC decided to celebrate the 5th anniversary of 9/11 by having a young woman come on and basically mock the event and those who lost their lives.
There absolutely is, and it is very real. Which is why I told the poster what I did...the facts (US currency is used commonly in Toronto) and the reality (be careful, because it will mark you as an American, and heaven knows what will happen after that).
Everything else was just commentary....on both sides.
