# How much money should I bring to Canada?

> Plan on about CA$100 a day on a tight budget and CA$250 or more mid-range. Cards work almost everywhere, so bring only a little cash.

Plan on roughly CA$100 per person per day on a tight budget (hostels, groceries, public transit), around CA$250 a day mid-range (hotel, restaurant meals, some paid attractions) and much more on a luxury trip. You do not need much cash: credit and debit cards, including contactless payments, are accepted almost everywhere in Canada. Carry a small amount of Canadian dollars for tips and small purchases.

## Typical daily budget (per person, rough)

- **Budget:** about CA$100 – hostels or shared rooms, self-catering, buses and free activities.
- **Mid-range:** about CA$250 – mid-range hotels, restaurant meals, occasional taxis, paid attractions.
- **Luxury:** CA$600 and up – upscale hotels, fine dining, private tours.

Big cities such as Vancouver and Toronto and resort areas such as Banff cost more than smaller cities. Summer and ski season raise prices. Long distances make domestic flights, trains or car rentals a large part of the budget.

## Cash, cards and fees

- Use a credit card with no foreign transaction fee.
- Withdraw Canadian dollars from bank ATMs rather than exchanging cash at airports.
- If a card terminal offers to charge you in US dollars, choose Canadian dollars to avoid poor conversion rates.
- Tipping of around 15% to 20% is customary in restaurants.
- Sales taxes are added at the register and vary by province.

## Bringing money across the border

There is no minimum amount of money you must bring, but border officers can ask how you will support yourself during your stay. If you carry CA$10,000 or more in cash or monetary instruments, you must declare it.

## FAQ

**How much does a 7-day trip to Canada cost?**
Excluding flights, roughly CA$700 on a tight budget and about CA$1,750 mid-range per person, before big activities and car rental.

**How much money do I need for 3 days or 3 weeks in Canada?**
Multiply the daily budget: about CA$300–750 per person for 3 days and roughly CA$2,100–5,250 for 3 weeks, excluding flights. Longer stays can cost less per day if you rent an apartment and cook.

**Should I bring cash to Canada?**
Only a little. Cards and phone payments work almost everywhere, and bank ATMs are easy to find if you need Canadian dollars.

**Should I bring US dollars or Canadian dollars?**
Use Canadian dollars or a card. Some businesses near the border accept US dollars, but usually at a poor rate.

---
https://inyourtravel.com/how-much-money-should-i-bring-to-canada-as-a-tourist/ · In Your Travel · Checked 2026-10-31