Currency exchange tips: Getting more for the low Canadian dollar

Planning a trip to the U.S. and already grieving about how little the Canadian dollar will get you across the border?

CBC News spoke withSteve Brown with the Vancouver Bullion and Currency Exchangefor tips on how to get the most out of your loonies when trading them for greenbacks.

• Travel destinations made even more attractive with the low Canadian dollar
• 7 ways to beat the drooping dollar when booking your vacation
• Foreign getaways becoming Canadianstaycations

Where you buy matters

Specialtycurrency exchange services usually offer the best exchange rates,followed by banks. Beware of the exchange kiosks at airports: they often chargefive to 10 per cent more than the best rate you could get.

Buy bulk

Amounts more than $5,000 are likely to get a better rate than the one that's posted.

Look at the broader trend

The Canadian dollar follows oil prices quite closely. For example, oil prices have risen about 20 per cent in the last few days, and the Canadian dollarhas gone up accordingly.

Buy duringdips

Most banks are predicting the Canadian dollar will climb its way back up later this year. So if you're planning on going south, you may want to wait a few months.

Get a U.S. dollaraccount

Credit cards and accounts in U.S. dollars can go a long way the next time you find yourself south of the border. Put money into the account when the Canadian dollar is high and keep it there for your next trip to the U.S.