Cross-border shopping tips for Canadians
A little planning. A few fun finds. More value from your next snack run.
A Trader Joe’s run has a way of growing beyond your shopping list. You go in for a favourite seasoning, spot a seasonal treat, and suddenly a new tote bag is coming home too.
At JoshMart, we understand the appeal. Getting good value means looking beyond the price on the shelf. Here are four things to consider before your next U.S. shopping trip.
Convert before you cart
Take a moment to work out the Canadian price before deciding whether a find is a bargain.
This example uses a hypothetical exchange rate and excludes applicable taxes and card fees. Your final cost depends on the rate applied when you pay.
Check what your card adds
Your card’s exchange rate and foreign transaction fee are separate costs. If your card adds a 2.5% fee, a purchase converted to C$200 would cost an extra C$5.
Check your card’s terms before travelling, and compare fees alongside rewards. A cashback offer is more useful when you understand the costs attached to it.
Leave room for a little discovery
List the favourites you want to restock, then set a budget for trying something new. That leaves room for a seasonal cookie without turning every limited-time find into a must-buy.
Check package sizes and best-before dates, too. A bigger bag only offers good value if you will enjoy it before it goes stale.
Count the whole trip
Fuel or charging, parking, and time on the road all count. A shopping stop can make sense when you are already visiting the U.S. A dedicated trip for a handful of snacks may work out differently.
Compare your total trip cost with the delivered price of ordering in Canada. Convenience has value, especially when your shopping list is short.
A little extra for your wallet
A payment option worth exploring
Wealthsimple’s Visa Platinum prepaid card comes with its chequing account and currently has no monthly account fee, card fee, or foreign transaction fee. Visa’s currency conversion rate still applies, and purchases use money already in your account.
- C$25 referral bonus: Eligible new clients can receive C$25 after applying a referral and depositing at least C$100 from an external source into an eligible account within 30 days. An active Wealthsimple chequing account is required to receive it.
- Potential 5% credit card cashback: A qualifying credit card referral can provide an extra 3% on top of the standard 2% for a 30-day boosted period, on the first C$10,000 of eligible net purchases. Credit card approval within the 30-day referral period and an eligible referrer are required. This applies separately to the credit card.
Referral code: HK530A
Referral disclosure: This is my personal referral link, and I may receive a reward if you qualify. Confirm which offers are available through this link before applying; the cashback boost is not guaranteed.
Offer eligibility and full terms
Canadian residency, age-of-majority, and new-client requirements apply. Credit card fees, purchase exclusions, and restrictions on combining offers apply. For the cashback referral offer, the referrer must hold a qualifying Visa Infinite+ or Visa Infinite Privilege card and must not be in the Super Referral Program. Closing or deactivating the credit card within 180 days after the boosted period ends may result in the extra cashback being recovered.
Read the cash bonus requirements, cashback promotion terms, and the offer shown in your account.
Your next snack haul starts here
Want the snacks without the border trip?
Browse U.S. snacks and lifestyle finds in Canadian dollars. Compare the total at checkout and skip planning a trip just to restock your favourites.
Find your next favourite treatWealthsimple details checked October 5, 2026. Features and promotions may change. Current prepaid card details.
