If you are flying or driving from Vancouver to the United States, plan to carry some US dollars in cash even if you will use a card for most things. For a typical week, US$300 to US$600 covers tips, small purchases and the places that still prefer cash. Buying it before you leave means you know exactly what you paid.
This guide walks through how much to bring, which bills to ask for, and how to buy US dollars in New Westminster without the airport markup.
Why bring US cash at all?
Cards work almost everywhere in the US, and many travellers use them for hotels, rental cars and restaurants. But cash still matters in a few everyday situations:
- Tipping hotel housekeeping, bellhops, tour guides and valet attendants
- Food trucks, farmers markets and small family-run shops
- Parking machines, laundromats and vending machines that are cash-only
- A backup if your card is blocked for unusual activity while you travel
Having some cash in your wallet the moment you land also means you are not hunting for an ATM at the airport, where machine and bank fees can add up.
How much US cash to bring for a week
There is no single right amount, but here is a simple way to think about it. Start with what you expect to spend in cash each day, then add a small cushion.
| Trip style | Cash per day | 7-day total |
|---|---|---|
| Seattle weekend or city break | US$40 to US$60 | US$280 to US$420 |
| Las Vegas or Arizona road trip | US$60 to US$80 | US$420 to US$560 |
| Hawaii with tours and activities | US$70 to US$90 | US$490 to US$630 |
If you are travelling as a family, or going somewhere you know uses cash a lot, lean toward the higher end. If you are staying at an all-inclusive resort or paying almost everything by card, the lower end is fine.
What it costs today at FonderX
Here is a worked example using our rates on Tuesday, October 6, 2026 at 11:31 AM Pacific. Our We Sell rate for US dollars was 1.4250, which is the number of Canadian dollars you pay for each US dollar.
| You want | You pay (CAD) |
|---|---|
| US$300 | $427.50 |
| US$500 | $712.50 |
| US$1,000 | $1,425.00 |
If you come home with leftover US cash, our We Buy rate on the same day was 1.3950, so selling US$100 back would get you $139.50 in Canadian dollars.
Rates move through the day with the market, so always check today's rates on our live board before you come in.
Which bills to ask for
A good travel mix is mostly US$20 bills, plus a handful of smaller ones. For US$500, many travellers ask for something like:
- 18 x US$20
- 8 x US$10
- 8 x US$5
- 20 x US$1
The US$1 and US$5 bills are what you will actually reach for when tipping or paying for a coffee. Large bills like US$100s are easy to carry, but some small businesses are reluctant to break them, so keep those to a minimum unless you are paying a larger cash bill.
Tips for carrying cash safely
A little planning keeps your money safe while you travel:
- Split your cash between your wallet and a second spot, like a zipped inside pocket or your hotel safe
- Carry only what you need for the day and leave the rest locked up
- Keep your card as a backup, and tell your bank your travel dates so it is not blocked
- If you are carrying CAD $10,000 or more in total (cash and similar instruments), you must report it to the Canada Border Services Agency when you leave or enter Canada
Most holiday travellers will never come close to that last limit, but it is worth knowing if you are paying for something large abroad.
Why buy before you go instead of at the airport
Exchange counters at airports are convenient, but their prices usually reflect that. The gap between what they charge and what the dollar is actually worth tends to be wider than at a local exchange.
Buying ahead also takes one job off your list on travel day. You pick up your US dollars on a weekday, count them at the counter, and they are in your bag before you leave for YVR or the border.
If you work as a paramedic, firefighter, police officer, 911 dispatcher, nurse, ER doctor or teacher, ask about our Frontline Heroes Rate when you come in.
Visit FonderX
FonderX Currency Exchange is at Unit 2, 723 12th Street in New Westminster, a short drive from Burnaby, Coquitlam and Surrey. We are open Monday to Friday, 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM.
We are cash only, so bring Canadian cash to buy US dollars, and bring valid government-issued photo ID. Planning to exchange a larger amount? Call us at (778) 759-0400 so we can have it ready. You can also find our hours and directions on the contact page.
Frequently asked questions
How much US cash should I bring for a week in the United States?
For most trips, US$300 to US$600 in cash is enough to cover tips, small purchases and the odd cash-only spot, with a card for bigger bills. Bring more if you are going somewhere cash is common, like markets or small family-run restaurants.
Is it cheaper to buy US dollars before I leave Canada?
Usually, yes. Airport exchange counters tend to have the widest gap between their buy and sell prices, so buying ahead at a local exchange like FonderX means you know your rate and land with cash in hand. Compare the rate you are offered with our live rate board before you decide.
What US bills are best for travel?
Ask for a mix: mostly US$20s, plus some US$1s, US$5s and US$10s for tips and small purchases. Some small shops do not like breaking US$100 bills.
Can I sell my leftover US dollars when I get home?
Yes. Bring your leftover US cash to FonderX and we will buy it back for Canadian dollars at our posted We Buy rate. Bring valid photo ID.
Do I need ID to buy US dollars at FonderX?
Yes. As a FINTRAC-registered money services business, we ask for valid government-issued photo ID for exchanges. Larger amounts may need more information, so call ahead at (778) 759-0400.