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Re:ATM's
MorganEllis See my TER Reviews 2489 reads
posted

Ponzone pretty much covered it already, but yes - ATMs in Canada accept any major US bank card, and dispense currency in Canadian dollars. I find that this is what works for me when I'm the US, as well. I get better exchange than using the border currency exchange, that's for sure.

Bear in mind that, to the best of my knowledge, you still can't use your US debit card to complete in store (restaurant, strip club, etc) transactions. I can't use mine to do so in the US, either, so don't take it personally ;)

Morgan

MorganEllis3034 reads

Is there a particular area of Baltimore that hobbyists find more convenient? I'm utterly unfamiliar with the area, so any advice would be appreciated.

I've noticed a lot of hotels in the inner harbour area, but there also seem to be quite a few suburban areas... Help!

Morgan

Related Link: Coming from Toronto.. Kinky and Curvy!

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123qqq2527 reads

I would suggest the BWI area easy travel for both DC & Baltimore

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MorganEllis2608 reads

Seriously. I have no idea what that stands for. Bear in mind that, for me, I keep reading it and assuming it stands for 'British West Indies'. However, I'm pretty sure that's not it ;)

Thanks for the suggestions, though!

Morgan

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bikebryan2233 reads

Baltimore-Washington International.

In other words, the Baltimore Airport.

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betty_snj3804 reads

just google "hotels in the BWI area of Baltimore MD" and you get this:

http://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla%3Aen-US%3Aofficial_s&hl=en&q=hotels+in+the+BWI+area++of+Baltimore+MD&btnG=Google+Search

I prefer to book directly with the hotel of my choice, but you can use Priceline or similar sites.

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123qqq2478 reads

Baltimore Washingtion International Airport Area

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betty_snj2061 reads

BWI is where you should stay. On West Nursery Road, you will find over 25 hotels from all brands and budgets. They are all nice, lots of parking and convenient access for the gentlemen coming from different parts of Baltimore and even DC.
Inner Harbour is a very nice area of Baltimore, specially at this time of the year, but your options are less in numbers and parking and traffic can be a problem.
If you need suggestions for BWI, please mail to me and I will be happy to help you.

Related Link: http://betty.nycnetworking.com

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123qqq2589 reads

I aggree lots of good choices around BWI.Any idea when you will be back there?

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betty_snj2043 reads

hope to see you sweets.

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123qqq2502 reads

Looking forward to meeting u

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bhavinfun2617 reads

Since you're coming  here from Toronto how much of a hassle is it to do so, due to border security and such? I've heard that for a US citizen to go to Canada all that's needed is a certified proof of birth,(birth certificate), and a state, or government issued photo ID, (driver's license, etc.). However an up to date passport is preferred. Does that sound right? Is the US dollar used there or is a conversion to the "loonie" and the "toonie" in order? JK, I realize you have paper money up there also. Since this is totally off topic if you care not to answer, no problem.

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MorganEllis2034 reads

Birth Certificate and driver's licence is as much as I've ever been asked for. In fact, three quarters of the time I'm not asked for any ID at all! I must have an innocent face. Heh.

Convert your US currency to Canadian either before you leave, or when you arrive, as you'll find that US money is generally only taken on par, or given a very weak exchange rate. At the moment, US currency isn't that far from par, but you'll still get a better rate at a bank than you will in the average store or bar.

Cheers, eh?

Morgan

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Ponzone2130 reads

Oddly enough, the last time I went to Canada (in 2002) I had most of MY trouble getting INTO Canada (in Quebec).  There were a couple of Pakistanis on my Amtrak car and Canadian customs took them off the train to Montreal (from NYC) and gave them to US customs.  For whatever reason, they had some sort of seat number mixup which somehow got me confused with one of them, so they took MY US passport into another car and double checked it before letting me proceed.  Lousy feeling.  Coming back, I had no problem at US Customs in Washington State.

 Thing I wanted to tell you is that the US Congress is seriously considering legislation that would require EVERYONE including ALL North Americans to have passports to enter the US, including from Canada, Mexico, the island nations, and such.  That would apply to US Citizens reentering the US from any of these locations.  Thank you Osama; you rat BASTARD!

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bikebryan2140 reads

Yes, Congress has seriously considered this, but Bush has told them not to pursue it.  He feels it would be bad for America (business) and has said he would veto it.

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bhavinfun2242 reads

Knowing my luck, if I do go, I'll probably wind up in a similar situation, LOL. Sound's like you had one heck of a trip, from Quebec to Washington state, trans Canada.

I was wondering about the passport requirement, a couple of site's I searched recommended having one instead of relying on just a birth certificate and photo id. For just a little weekend trip that seems extreme. As for Osama, you're right, but it's also a shame we're letting him so easily accomplish his goal. We're (supposedly)  a free country and everytime we lose those freedom's he's accomplished his goal.

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Ponzone2508 reads

bhf, yes it was a trans-continental Rail Canada trip using a North American Rail Pass.  As for almost detaining me at Customs, what would you expect for a male hobbyist travelling alone? lol  I took that sojourn up to Churchill, Manitoba as well.  It was at the end of April and they had FOUR FEET of snow up in Churchill (a foot of it had just occured before I went up).  It was like 20 degrees with zero wind chills up there.  Whoops sorry, up there that would be -5 degrees C, with WC's of about minus 15 or so.  Two great nights of Aurora on the train (both coming and going).  A must-see once-in-a-lifetime at least.

 No, a passport was NOT required.  I had mine as a leftover from a couple European trips.  Apparently a damn good thing that I had it though... (Sung to the tune of Charlie on the MTA): "Poor ole Ponzone; he's the MAN who NEVER returned"...  Come to think of it, there is some Baltimore woman (without a US Passport) who has been stuck up in Canada for about six months now, while her husband is back here and travels up there like once a month to see her and try to battle it out.

 As I said, coming back into the US there was no problem at US Customs with my passport.  Quite a few people were trying to use Driver's Licenses WITHOUT Birth Certificates and they were getting a BUNCH of trouble, though.

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bhavinfun2513 reads

Sound's like you had quite a trip, a lot of fun. I'm leaning toward's the passport route but it seems a bit much for just a two or three day trip to Canada, although probably the safer choice. Many thanks for all the info, including the ATM stuff.

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MorganEllis2345 reads

..I ever experienced was on an Amtrak train returning from NYC.

I can accept going thru US customs enroute in *to* the USA, but I was stunned when, after crossing back in to Niagara Falls, Canada, I was expected to be re-checked by US customs again. I'd already been cleared by Canadian, and could literally see my car from the window of the train. I let US customs see my ID, and then was told I couldn't leave the train until all of the cars had also been cleared. 'WTF?' said I, and proceeded to grab my luggage and prepare to leave anyways, operating on the theory that since I was already in Canada, I could do pretty much as I bloody well wanted.

Not so, I was told. If I left the train, I could be held and detained by US customs. I was tired, cranky, and pretty much didn't give a shit at that point, so I left anyways. US customs were freaking out, but didn't pursue me. I was afraid to cross the border for a year after that, as I was sure they had me flagged as some sort of subversive terrorist threat...

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Ponzone1827 reads

Morgan, what is IT with how they seem to target the trains, anyway??  Meanwhile, all sorts of shit seems to pass through the airports.

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bhavinfun2733 reads

I have to tell you, that might have been your worst border crossing experience, and I'm sorry to hear it, but it's pretty damn funny. It's totally understandable how aggravating it must have been, "miss, you can't leave the train.", "oh yea, watch me!" hahahaha. Thanks for all the info.

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bhavinfun2335 reads

Thanks honey, I'm thinking about a weekend jaunt up there and was curious about those matter's. I'm like a fish out of water without my ATM card. Do the banks up there accept US bank's ATM card's and dispense cash on a converted basis? Last question, I promise. TIA

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Ponzone1351 reads

You BET, bhf.  That's how I LIVE abroad, not just in Canada but Europe as well.  Of course the ole charge cards give you good exchange rates also.  Remember though that the rate exchange is on the day the transaction posts and not necessarily the day it transpired.

-- Modified on 6/19/2005 9:48:09 PM

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MorganEllis2490 reads

Ponzone pretty much covered it already, but yes - ATMs in Canada accept any major US bank card, and dispense currency in Canadian dollars. I find that this is what works for me when I'm the US, as well. I get better exchange than using the border currency exchange, that's for sure.

Bear in mind that, to the best of my knowledge, you still can't use your US debit card to complete in store (restaurant, strip club, etc) transactions. I can't use mine to do so in the US, either, so don't take it personally ;)

Morgan

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sammyboyooo2376 reads

bwi is the best place to stay

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travelexec2676 reads

BWI area hotels are your best bet.  You'll draw from both Baltimore and DC suburban Maryland.

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Ponzone2427 reads

Morgan, being a well known Bal'mer Boy on this board, I am typically the self-appointed Baltimore promoter to providers.  In your case, I don't have to because you have wisely chosen us all ready.  I think you will be richly rewarded by hobbyists in response to your choice.

 As others have said, I think BWI is your best choice for the reasons all ready stated.  Easier to drive to, free easy parking, on-off access to the expressways, more coverage draw area including DC suburbs, and the hotels tend to be a bit less expensive than the downtown ones (which include inner harbor).

 There are a handful of guys who work downtown who might benefit from your staying there, but for the most part your best volume draw is BWI.  The only other advantage to inner harbor is for you (more attractions nearby).  However, if you get a rental car that won't be an issue for you at BWI either (and you can easily more than pay for it with the savings in the hotels).

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