h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

I always seem to get behind the shopper who is using her ATM card for the very first time . I must have the worst luck in the world!

Speaking of odd coins, someone in WC has been using Canadian dimes instead of American ones. Not that they are odd. Just a nuisance to have to deal with. My circ supervisor has macular degeneration and I know she's the one taking them in. They look so much like the American ones that I'm sure she can't spot them with her poor vision. It involves such a small amount of money that I'm not about to call her on it.

Is there anyplace that they can be traded in for American dimes?

Not in a small town like this, Paul. And I suspect the service charge to change it would cost more than what we're out on the dimes.

Sorry to hear that.

I'm not going to sweat it unless the amount lost gets higher. So far it's less than $5. The Canadian pennies look like the American ones, too.

Also, even if I could change them, I'd lose money because they are worth less.

Bummer. We used to get dimes, nickles, and pennies at R's. I usually spotted them and refused to take them. There have been times when I have been given them in change at various stores. If I see them at the time, I ask for American whatevers, but sometimes they slip them by on me. There is really nowhere we can take them for exchange in a small town like this. They do look a lot like the American version.........

The U.S. government has been ordered by the Courts to make U.S. paper currency distinguishable to the sight-impaired. We're the only country that makes all our paper currency the same size and shape. To a blind person, distinguishing bills is all but impossible.

That's a good idea. Wonder how long it will take them to actually do it?

The court gave the government ten days to make a start.

Canadian coins and US coins do basically look the same. A guy I met in Canada told me that when he was in the UK he got worried by all the different pictures on pound coins - he assumed they belonged to some other countries, being used to watching out for US currency.

Right. It works both ways. I'm sure canadians get stuck with US coins as well.

Ten days. I suppose it depends on what they mean by making a start. Circulating a memo could be considered making a start.

A blind lady who used to shop at R.'s folded each denomination of bill in a different shape. That way she could tell by feeling just which bill she had. Of course, it wouldn't work well if you didn't trust the person who was handing you the bill.

I think it's about time the US updated their currency.

"I think it's about time the US updated their currency."
[Lady Chattingly]

There isn't much that *doesn't* need updating.

Since the Canadian and American coins look so much alike, and since we share a very long border, it makes sense for one of us to at least change the coins.

Paul, I could go on a rant here, but since this isn't a political thread, I shall refrain, but I do agree with you.

Trouble is, the U.S. is the third largest country in the world,mand it *always* takes time and effort to change direction when you're that big. Think the Titanic changing course to avoid that iceberg

American coins are worth more than Canadian, so I don't think the other way around matters so much.

I managed to accept a €1 coin as a £1 coin today. For those who don't know the former is bi-metallic.

I don't believe I've ever seen any Euro coins or bills. Of course that is unlikely to be a problem here in the middle of NA.

Remind me, Hyp, if I make it to London in April, I'll show you some € coins.