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[laorfamily]

I'm with Wakingdream on this one - you're offering US currency in a foreign country. That extra few cents she charged you? That was her conversion fee.

Not really, because at the time the tourists were practically encouraged to pay with USD. To give excuses and come up with half justifyable reason after the fact anyone can do but we both know this is not the case.

An honest and fair business practice would have been to either give the correct change or inform the tourist that you charge a conversion fee - not to put up a "we acceppt US currency" signs.

Please understand, I'm not complaining about the "extra few cents", my problem is with the dishonesty, hypocracy and duplicity - which did nothing but leave a bad taste in my mouth.

[cheli]

They had signs up saying they accepted US currency? Well then yeah, I can understand you being pissed off! Bad customer service, bad practice.

[starlagurl]

Yeah, when I worked retail, we had a sign for the exorbitant "exchange rate".

[wakingdream]

An honest and fair business practice would have been to either give the correct change or inform the tourist that you charge a conversion fee - not to put up a "we acceppt US currency" signs.

Yeah, that's pretty pathetic and misleading for sure. Most places don't do that for the most part. Sheisters! Anyplace will accept US dollars , or used to anyway, so the better question is, sure, you accept US dollars but do you give change in US dollars?! I don't that's too common a practice for the most part....

[cheli]

Sheisters!

Yeah well, this is Peggy's Cove we're talking about!

*edited for typo*

[starlagurl]

i am also planning to visit canada.

Really? When where?

[mmbcross]

There were probably tears streaming down the face of the car dealer, but if he (or she) sold it to you, it means they made money, so they were crocodile tears. Do you do the same with travel agents?

[cheli]

There were probably tears streaming down the face of the car dealer, but if he (or she) sold it to you, it means they made money, so they were crocodile tears.

Who cares? The point is he paid less than the initial asking price AND walked away with what he felt was a good deal. The first lesson I was taught in bargaining is that both parties have to walk away feeling happy with the outcome.

[polydemic]

As they say in politics “it’s the economy stupid”.

I have visited Canada several times and plan on coming back for a more thorough tour of Nova Scotia, but I don’t think that Americans are staying away specifically from Canada, we are simply not taking vacations, or staying close to home.

The middle class in the US has been hit hard economically in the last several years – especially on both coasts.
Remember, the dollar plummeted (thank you Mr. Bush).
My “go to work” costs have quadrupled, meaning that it is not the cost of having a good job anymore, but an expense.
Food prices have at least doubled.
Taxes went up and I’ll be happy to get a 3% raise next year.
The government keeps us scared of some imaginary boogey-man hiding in our closets.
The TSA has made it hell on earth to fly anywhere (see point above).

What does all that mean?

We simply don’t have the money to go on a vacation.

I also love Canada & used to visit a lot; at least once a year since 1989. But this year will be the first time I'm not coming up there. I've been unemployed for over three years & just can't afford to go anywhere. But as soon as I'm employed & financial independant again, I'll be back.

[starlagurl]

So, I guess you agree, your choice to stay away from Canada has a great deal to do with the economy.