Traveling by Greyhound into Canada..?

A couple questions!

I'm going to Kingston, Ontario in just a few days, by greyhound.. Crossing the border, can I get into Canada with my birth certificate and ID? I'm pretty sure it's 2008, when you need a passport to get in every way.

And how the heck do I get some Canadian money? Lol! I'm actually going on a surprise visit to see some family.. I need a taxi just to take me a few blocks to their house. How would I.. er.. go about doing that? Yes, yes, very ignorant here. :)


Thank you for your help!

Still ok with birth certificate for anything but flying into Canada.

If you have a big bank near your house ask them if they can order some Canadian money.
Or..
Use your ATM card in Canada when you get in.
Or..Go to the nearest bank if it is open when you get in. There will be one nearby the bus station, or perhaps an exchange in the station.

If all else fails...If you have a lot of ones and 5s, most taxis will take them. They don't give a favorable exchange rate so you don't want to give more than they ask for. Thats why all the small bills.

Last time I took a Greyhound over the border, this official came on board, started screaming at us to put all our bags against the wall, and took us into a room to be treated like criminals.
...That was when we were entering the US. Hopefully they're nicer to their own citizens :P

On the Canadian side, they just checked our driver's licences and we were out of there in no time. Last time I drove across, they didn't even check my ID. I don't think they'll give you any real hassle. But I'm talking about the Quebec/NY and BC/Washington borders, I've never done Ontario/NY.

As for money, you can buy some Canadian money at the bank or the currency exchange. If Kingston's a bigger bus station, there might be a currency exchange there, but I wouldn't count on it. If you're really desperate, you can use the ATM, but if your banks are anything like ours, that comes with some brutal fees. If it's a short trip you could just use your credit cards. The taxi driver may not like it too much, but it saves you some hassle.
Some stores will take American money, but they'll gouge you with the exchange rate. Be warned: I've seen American dollars taken at par.

I've travelled on Greyhound several times and all you'll need is your birth certificate to cross the border. As far as Canadian money goes, just use your ATM card. Whatever you do, dont go to your bank before you leave. You can end up paying a lot more for the exchange, than you would if you just used your card in Canada. There will be an ATM at the bus station when you arrive. Enjoy your trip!

Good Luck taking Greyhound I suggest you avoid
well unless you like to be stranded at a greyhound station
after midnight where the station closes and you are waiting
for a second section which may or may not come or even
be operated by Greyhound or LOVE to stand for hours on
a crowded bus or have restroom that spill sewage all over inside of the bus, or get stranded on a freeway and have to walk 3 miles to the station from a broken down bus or escaped a bus that caught fire.. now
plus there is a high chance their driver will go out strike as well
now DO STILL YOU REALLY WANT TO RIDE GREYHOUND?
you might want to look into Amtrak instead