Money question

[Ferirosha]

Hi there, i have one simple question:

Will the border CBSA question you if you don't have CASH? I understand the pros of having cash as it's obviously accepted everywhere, but at the same time, if someone steals it, or if I lose my jacket with my cash in it, I'm doomed.
Am I able to tell them upon arrival that I have money IN BANK as I prefer to not risk losing a large chunk of money if anything were to happen, or do they want to see CASH to see proof that you can support yourself whilst in Canada?

Edit: What is a FAIR amount of money to have for a 2 week trip? Excluding housing as I have a place to live without having to pay. Would 1000 CAD be fair? Or 1500?

Thanks!

 

[steaky]

Edit: What is a FAIR amount of money to have for a 2 week trip? Excluding housing as I have a place to live without having to pay. Would 1000 CAD be fair? Or 1500?

Thanks!

It depends what you want to spend during the 2 week trip.

 

[Ferirosha]

It depends what you want to spend during the 2 week trip.

General sight seeing, going around the city and such. Not looking to go to Canada to buy luxury items. Would only need food for necessity (eg: food, water.) And that's about it really. Shelter is sorted at no charge as I'm staying with Fiance.

 

[canadianwoman]

They will be completely OK with you having a debit card or credit cards. You can get proof of how much is in your bank account, just in case they ask. They will not insist you have cash - the only time I have been asked about support when crossing a border, they were surprised and suspicious I had cash, and wanted to know why I didn't just use a debit card.

$1,000 will be enough for two weeks, especially since you are not staying at a hotel.

 

[Ferirosha]

Ah, but isn't there charges for debit cards? I have a Visa debit card. I assume I can use it in Canada to pay and to withdraw money. But what is the fee for that?

 

[Decoy24601]

Ah, but isn't there charges for debit cards? I have a Visa debit card. I assume I can use it in Canada to pay and to withdraw money. But what is the fee for that?

You'd have to see what the fees are for your individual bank/credit union. Mine are minimal.

 

[canadianwoman]

In addition, there is never any guarantee that the cards will work. I would bring cash and cards. I just wanted to point out that the border agents won't be surprised if you don't have a lot of cash on you.