Verified answer

I've found the easiest thing is to just use ATM machines once you get there. Notify your bank first so they don't think your card has been stolen. Also, in a lot of countries, the PIN is limited to four digits.

If you use an ATM, you'll get the "interbank" exchange rate, which usually beats anything you'll get anywhere else. Your bank will probably charge a fee. If it's "per transaction", you'll want to make fewer withdrawls, but take more money each time.

You will get a better exchange rate if you use your bank at home or a bank here if you have to. Avoid exchanges at airports, US or Canadian.

If your hotel is only 5 miles from the airport it sounds like you are staying on the Dartmouth side of thd harbour vice the Halifax side. A taxi ride for that area would be $30+. Tones of taxis at the airport too so no problem there although you could book the shuttle service too which will drop you at your hotel.

http://www.hiaa.ca/default.asp?id=190&pagesize=1&s...

Everyone in Canada prefers you American's using your currency, You don't have to care about ours, as it's not important.