This is a wiki crowdsourced by the Monzo Community to help you travel with Monzo.
Just like Wikipedia, anyone can edit it to help out others. If you have any tips or feedback for visiting Canada with Monzo, please feel free to edit this guide. You can also add a comment or question below â someone will then incorporate your comment into the main text below and then delete your comment. To create your own âMonzo in âŚâ guide if one doesnât already exist, just copy this template into a new post and write away!
Safe travels!
Currency
Canada utilises the Canadian dollar ($)
Card usage
Card acceptance is widespread with chip & pin as well as contactless working flawlessly.
ATMs
Be aware that although acceptance of the card at ATMs is fine, the fees (anywhere between CAD$2.50 - $3.50 per transaction) can add up. Try making larger withdrawals or stick to card transactions. If there is a Costco nearby, their ATMs only charge C$1 per withdrawal, a better value. Additionally, some credit unions do not charge fees at their ATMs.
Payment and withdrawal limits
All Monzo cards have some payment and withdrawal limits. To check yours before you leave, tap on the manage card icon and then tap on Spending and card limits.
Crowdsourced merchant data
Data will most likely be scant so please try and contribute relevant feedback about transactions
Miscellaneous
Contactless MasterCard is supported on transit in Vancouver, however there are two shortcomings:
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The amount of a three-zone fare is authorized on your card every time you transfer. You will only be charged one fare based on number of zones traveled in a 90-minute period once the charges have settled, however, this can result in a large amount of your money being held up in authorizations depending on how much you travel.
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You are also charged a higher fare than if you pay using stored value on a Compass card. The difference varies from C$0.60-$1.25 depending on number of zones traveled.
MasterCard contactless on transit can thus only be recommended for infrequent journeys. The price difference exceeds the cost of a new Compass card (C$6) after 10 one-zone trips or 8 two-zone trips.
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