One of the frustrations of working on the US/Canada border at a park where everything runs on loonies is that Americans get very upset that they have to use Canadian currency, notably dollar and two dollar coins. I just can’t figure out why Americans get so irked at having to use these coins, but it’s really quite ridiculous. They would rather stuff four quarters in a machine than one dollar. Some say that loonies are ‘heavy.’ (Hint: they are lighter than four quarters.)
Today, a lady put four quarters into the carwash that takes just loonies and then came in to complain that the machine doesn’t work. When I told her she should have put in a loonie instead of quarters she said “What’s the difference?” (Hint: quarter means ‘one fourth of something’.)
So, a quick run down on the three most used Canadian coins: Four caribou (quarters) will get you a loon (loonie/dollar) and two loons will get you a bear (toonie/two dollars).
Here are some irksome comments I’ve heard from Americans:
“Loonie is a stupid name for a coin.” I explained that it came from the loon that’s on the coin. To which he continued. “As I said, stupid. No one knows or cares what a loon is.”
“Toonie is a stupid name for a coin.” I explained that it came from the nickname for our dollar. To which he continued. “As if the name wasn’t stupid enough, your coin has two colours.” And that’s stupid because?
Finally:
“Your money looks fake.” To which I replied that at least it’s not ugly.
Any Americans reading this want to chime in as to why Americans find Canadian money so offensive?
Ah! They do because their country is the best and most important country in the world and everyone else should understand that and simply use their “Greenbacks” (which are actually green on the front too) without question. They actually think we try to but just don’t get it right. They think we should solve the problem by using “real” money.
Some Mexican coins are two colours as well so that just proves it….. Proves something… I guess…
And, yet, in all my travels through North America, Americans have hands down been more hospitable and welcoming than Canadians. I always remember that when they make me roll my eyes. 🙂
Britain and Italy also have two-colour coins!
Here, here! I so agree. Although I’m married to an American and a lot of my friends and relatives are American, they really need to realize that the US is not the only country in the world and other countries would like some respect as well. When they’re in Canada, do as Canadians do! I happen to think our money is very pretty and it does not look fake. I really dislike American dollars as they all look the same and you have to look closely to be sure you’re giving someone a $20 or a $1. I far prefer our money!
As a side note not all Americans are like this, I’ve actually met some on the road who want to know about Canada and are actually interested in our politics and government and what’s happening up here. It’s rare though!
I have occasionally given a 10$ instead of a 1$ and had the money go to a dishonest clerk. 🙁
I have many friends who are Americans who know about the world beyond the USA. Sure, I poked fun at the stereotype, but it’s just that, a stereotype.
I have lived and traveled all over the world, every country has their own monetary system. Mexico, in fact, has some bills made from plastic. They are made in Australia. I personally do not like the “loonies” or “toonies” because I do not like coins. I do not carry any coins with me, they all go in a can in my trailer. Convenient way to accumulate laundry money. The “loonie” for vending machines is worth about half the US dollar. Case in point, washing machine needs two “loonies” here, in America it only needs four quarters. The Americans who complain about Canadian money are probably just natural born whiners. Just excuse them as we excuse the whining Canadians we occasionally run across. I have been here for 4 winters now and I cannot tell you the color of your bills, I just look at the numbers as I have done in America for the past 60 years.
Norman, I was given a very good reason as to why coins are infinitely superior to bills: in the event of a pandemic, they can be washed! 😀 Personally, I prefer coins. They’re heavier, yes, but that heft makes them feel so much more ‘real’.
Not all laundromats are the same, the one where I was at in Vancouver needed a dollar only while the one here in Dawson requires three (!!!).
This is the first Canadian blog site I’ve visited and your bashing Americans. I thought I would read an interesting blog and found someone with a small mind generalizing that all Americans complain about Canadian currency. I’d be very interested in seeing your loonies and toonies Rae. Please send me some. And tell your friends to send some. Email me for address.
Oh, for pete’s sake Jim. *rolls eyes* I’ve been here all summer listening to the same comments from the majority of Americans coming into the campground. They were due for a little ‘letting off steam’ post. And I’m not one to generalize about Americans seeing as my best friend is an American who would laugh at that post and give me an intelligent rebuttal to it. *shrugs*
Because of the world of debit and credit, when they came out with the toonie, I didn’t actually see one for 6 months. I’m waiting for the day when laundry is also done by swipe. If parking meters have caught the trend, it is only an matter of time. Then no one will have to fuss about the colour, shape, or weight of the money. LOL
Ah, Rae, some people are just stupid wherever they go! We try to ship the really dumb American ones up to you to get rid of them, but they keep coming back. Sigh.
Louise, I knew there was a conspiracy, thanks for confirming it! 😀
Rae,
I am an American and I must say my experience in Canada has been a positive one, I loved it, the people were nice, most stores didn’t carry credit card machines, there was wildlife, and well, Canada isn’t the US, so different money makes sense.
Hoping to make it north Fall 2012 for a drive back to AK. I got back into the US and my experience was getting a ticket for 5 over, and meeting some very grumpy store owners. I love both countries and respect both. I must say I prefer the west of Canada to the east but can handle both. My French isn’t great but its enough to converse. Go to a different country, expect to blend in, not stick out.
Daisy, we share a common worldview. I think that half the fun of traveling is encountering things that aren’t the same as ‘back home’! I am also starting to prefer western Canada over eastern.
Perhaps we’ll run into each other up north in 2012? 🙂